Rebels got away with missed free throws in thrilling win

the numbers

Friday, March 8, 2002 | 10 a.m.

Recapping UNLV's 120-117 double-overtime victory over New Mexico:

First half

Score: New Mexico 51, UNLV 49

The Man: The Rebels loaded up to stop Lobos guard Ruben Douglas, but Eric Chatfield had 15 points and Douglas 13, with the latter's 35-footer at the buzzer putting New Mexico ahead.

Turning point: Neither team led by more than five and there were seven ties.

Off the bench: En route to a 10-point, seven-rebound night, backup center Omari Pearson gave UNLV eight minutes of solid inside play before halftime. Jevon Banks also had six assists.

Game within the game: More than in last Saturday's game against New Mexico, the Rebels repeatedly rushed the ball upcourt for transition baskets.

Second half

Score: UNLV 96, New Mexico 96

The Man: Douglas drilled a 3-pointer from the top of the circle with 14 seconds left to give the Lobos a 96-95 lead.

Turning point: UNLV's Marcus Banks could've wrapped up the win, but he made only 1 of 2 free throws with 8.9 seconds left. He had hit 1 of 2 with 20 seconds left, too.

Off the bench: Jevon Banks made a 3-pointer from in front of the Rebels' bench to tie it 91-91 with 3:12 to play.

Game within the game: Despite Douglas' key 3-pointer, UNLV did a good job of making him work for his points. He scored 25 in regulation, but had only one basket in the final 7:50.

First overtime

Score: UNLV 105, New Mexico 105

The Man: Lobos guard Senque Carey made an amazing reverse scoop layup at the buzzer to send the game into a second OT.

Turning point: Marcus Banks wasted another chance to win it, making 1 of 2 free throws with 6.5 seconds left, holding UNLV's lead to 105-103 and setting up Carey's buzzer-beater.

Off the bench: Lobos backup forward Cody Payne made a put-back layup to get New Mexico within 102-101 after UNLV had failed to take a five-point lead.

Game within the game: Carey's tying basket was a beauty. He drove the left baseline and was behind the backboard when he released his shot.

Second overtime

Final: UNLV 120, New Mexico 117

The Man: Jevon Banks opened the period with a 3-pointer from the left side and the Rebels never gave back the lead.

Turning point: Lou Kelly squirted free for back-to-back dunks to extend the Rebels' lead to 115-109 with 58 seconds left. That gave them sufficient cushion to survive the Lobos' final push.

Off the bench: Banks finished with 12 points and seven assists. His final pass resulted in the first of Kelly's dunks.

Game within the game: After playing 50 minutes in a game that last 2 hours, 45 minutes, can UNLV muster enough energy -- particularly on defense -- tonight against Utah? Look for Spoonhour to play his bench early and often.