Rebel recap: UNLV subs contributed to win

the numbers

Tuesday, Jan. 8, 2002 | 9:41 a.m.

COLORADO SPRINGS -- Recapping UNLV's 66-54 win over Air Force on Monday night:

First half

Score: UNLV 27, Air Force 22

The Man: Despite missing the final 11 minutes of the half with two fouls, Dalron Johnson scored seven points and blocked a shot in the opening 6:50.

Turning point: With a 15-6 run that spanned about eight minutes, UNLV grabbed a 27-18 lead with 1:34 left in the half. Seven Rebels scored in the spurt.

Off the bench: In the high altitude, coach Charlie Spoonhour called for his subs early, playing 10 Rebels before the 10-minute mark. UNLV's bench outscored Air Force's 11-0 in the half.

Game within the game: UNLV shot 50 percent in the half (9-of-18), but the Rebels took control with defense. They gave Air Force only one backdoor layup in the first 20 minutes and challenged the Falcons' 3-pointers, holding them to 2-of-11 from the arc.

Second half

Final: UNLV 66, Air Force 54

The Man: Johnson compiled 14 points and seven rebounds in the half, but Jevon Banks also wore a hero's wreath. Giving up six inches, he shot down AFA forward Joel Gerlach down the stretch.

Turning point: Vince Booker scored all of his 10 points in the half, including two 3-pointers that quelled Air Force rallies. The second one restored a 10-point lead, 48-38, with 9:32 to play.

Off the bench: Kelly played an erratic game, but his 13 points were crucial. Though he had four turnovers, his assertiveness kept the offense moving forward on an off-night for Marcus Banks.

Game within the game: Guard Lamoni Yazzie entered as Air Force's leading scorer (13.8 ppg), and maintained his average with 14, but he wasn't a factor. He shot 3-of-10, 2-of-8 on 3-pointers.