Rebel recap: UNLV jumped to early lead

the numbers

Tuesday, Jan. 22, 2002 | 10:30 a.m.

Rcapping UNLV's 75-68 win over Colorado State on Monday night:

First half

Score: UNLV 36, CSU 26

The Man: Though Lou Kelly's shooting was cold (3-of-9), he contributed greatly to the Rebels' lead with nine points, six assists and no turnovers in 13 minutes.

Turning point: UNLV went on a 14-2 run for a 31-16 lead with 3:28 left. Five Rebels scored in the spurt, with Kelly converting a dunk and a jumper, and feeding Chris Richardson for a dunk.

Off the bench: Freshman Lou Amundson's minutes have dwindled lately, but he gave UNLV a big boost in 11 first-half minutes, compiling four points, five rebounds and two steals.

Game within the game: Richardson was fouled hard twice, and got a technical foul for challenging CSU's Matt Brown after the second. "When it's repetitive, I guess it makes you a little cranky," coach Charlie Spoonhour said.

Second half

Final: UNLV 75, CSU 68

The Man: Snapping a 6-of-40 slump, Kelly hit 4 of 7 shots in the second half and finished with a career-high 23 points. He also had five rebounds and seven assists, both team highs.

Turning point: After CSU pulled within 40-38, the Rebels put on a 15-3 spurt for a 55-41 lead that survived the Rams' last push. Most of the run occurred with Dalron Johnson and Marcus Banks on the bench.

Off the bench: Jevon Banks had another solid showing, scoring all seven of his points in the final seven minutes. His 3-pointer with two minutes left restored a seven-point UNLV lead.

Game within the game: The Rebels had trouble early on with 6-9 Rams forward Quantone Smith, but held him scoreless in the final 16 minutes. Before that, he dominated inside with 11 points.

-- Compiled by Steve Addy