Kruger: Rebels not in dire situation

Tuesday, Dec. 13, 2005 | 9:24 a.m.

UNLV basketball coach Lon Kruger knows more than a few fans of the program might be discouraged by the 2-5 team's current five-game losing streak, which included a just-concluded 0-4 road trip.

Kruger acknowledged widespread disappointment, but he stressed Monday that the situation isn't dire.

"When you don't win games, that's an expected reaction," he said. "But this group's attitude and work ethic are fine. Physically, we're fine.

"Emotionally, when you lose four or five in a row, that's going to work on you.

"Their confidence is a little shaky right now, but I think we'll work through it. This group will get it going."

The Rebels play five consecutive games at the Thomas & Mack Center, starting Saturday against Texas Tech, before the Mountain West Conference schedule begins.

Those four road games were entirely forgettable.

UNLV lost at Oklahoma State despite shooting 56 percent from the field, then hit only 31 percent at Oregon State. The Rebels committed 42 turnovers in the last two games, defeats at Hawaii and Minnesota.

A 22-point lead over the Beavers evaporated in Corvallis, Ore., which was the low point of the trip for Kruger.

"If we hadn't let that lead get away in the second half, then we'd probably be feeling ... but it probably unfolded as it should have, based on our play," he said.

"Again, on the road, when you turn it over it's hard to win."

As unsavory as it has been to review those videotapes, Kruger does not want them burned.

"There are certainly a lot of opportunities to learn from looking at the tapes," he said. "It's difficult to learn from situations when you don't (look at the tapes)."

Kruger has resisted blasting a team that started the season with only three players with Division-I experience. He consciously straddles challenging them to play tougher and make better decisions and promoting confidence.

"A fine line," he said.

Kruger anticipates growth and change during his team's first full week of practice in a month.

Junior swingman Wendell White will become academically eligible Saturday.

Kruger mentioned only senior forward Louis Amundson and rookie guard Jo'Van "Wink" Adams by name. The former leads the team in scoring and rebounding, averaging 16.4 points and 10.9 boards.

"Lou has played consistently well," Kruger said. "After that, we haven't had anyone emerge -- someone everyone on the floor looks to in a tough moment."

Only Jason Petrimoulx and Ricky Morgan have more assists than turnovers. But UNLV's foes have a worse assists-to-turnovers ratio (.737) than the Rebels (.790). Adams, the heir apparent at the point, has 21 assists to 22 turnovers. He averages almost eight points.

Kruger said it might be unfair to expect a significant leadership role from someone who has played seven collegiate games.

"Wink will be fine," Kruger said. "We'll look at some things in practice this week, and I wouldn't be surprised if there are changes ... taking care of the ball, making decisions under a little fire. It's hard to simulate that in practice, but we'll try to do that."

Rob Miech can be reached at 259-4087 or at miech@lasvegassun.com.