Rebels’ Beck says all is OK

Steve Guiremand

Thursday, Jan. 29, 2004 | 10:02 a.m.

UNLV held its first practice since Monday night's bizarre and disappointing 89-83 overtime loss at Colorado State on Wednesday afternoon. And despite rumors swirling to the contrary, starting small forward Romel Beck showed up and took part.

Beck, the team's second leading scorer with a 14.1 average, left the Moby Arena locker room hastily and without speaking to the media. He appeared to be agitated about sitting on the bench with four fouls late in the second half as the Rebels overcame a 17-point deficit to force overtime.

One rumor had Beck angrily flying home to Rancho Cucamonga, Calif., after the loss. However, he was on the team charter that didn't return to Las Vegas until well after midnight on Tuesday morning.

"Everything's fine," Beck said. "(But) it was frustrating not being out there and getting the chance and the opportunity to help the team win. It was just frustrating sitting on the bench with four fouls."

Beck said he hadn't talked to Spoonhour about why he didn't return to the game until the final 1:39 of overtime after James Peters fouled out. Cold-shooting Demetrius Hunter and backup forward Andy Hannan, wincing at times because of a shoulder injury, both played ahead of Beck down the stretch.

"I don't plan on talking to him," Beck said. "The whole thing is over. I think it was one of those decisions he made because the team was doing good and making a comeback. He felt like he didn't need me out there, so ..."

Spoonhour also denied that he had any problems with Beck.

"You guys (the media) are making a whole lot more out of it than I am," he said. "I didn't know there was anything wrong to start with."

Balcony seats for the 6 p.m. contest are priced at $7 in an effort to generate the largest home crowd of the season. So far that distinction goes to the Dec. 28 contest against Bradley which drew 12,196. Last year's "Pack The Mack" night against Wyoming drew 16,701 fans.

UNLV's baseball team will also be on hand to greet fans at the door and will be honored at halftime with a ring ceremony for its 2003 Mountain West Conference championship.