Hunter comes out firing in second half

the numbers

Tuesday, Jan. 28, 2003 | 10:39 a.m.

First Half: New Mexico 41-34

The Man: New Mexico guard Ruben Douglas scored 25 points, including 6 of 7 3-pointers.

Turning Point: After UNLV closed to within four points, 33-29, Douglas hit the first of two 3-pointers in the final 2:34 to stretch the Lobo lead back to seven.

Game within the game: UNLV's starting backcourt of Marcus Banks and Demetrius Hunter both picked up two fouls in the first five minutes. But with his Mountain West Conference season on the line, Rebel head coach Charlie Spoonhour continued to play both the remainder of the half and neither picked up a third foul.

Second Half: UNLV 75-66

The Man: Rebel guard Demetrius Hunter hit three 3-pointers after intermission en route to a team-high 24 points, including one that just beat the shot clock with 3:53 remaining that gave UNLV the lead for good, 65-63.

Turning Point: After Hunter's trey gave UNLV a 65-63 lead, Lobo guard Ruben Douglas missed two free throws that would have tied the game again. Rebel point guard Marcus Banks then nailed a 3-pointer to extend UNLV's lead to five points, 68-63.

Game within the game: Banks, who seemed more content to pass than shoot, had 10 assists.