UNLV Hoops: Homecoming for Petrimoulx

Friday, Nov. 11, 2005 | 7:42 a.m.

It was only a meaningless exhibition game Tuesday night against a Division II opponent before a sparse crowd at the Thomas & Mack Center.

Unless you're Jason Petrimoulx.

"Yeah, it's a dream come true," said Petrimoulx, a Las Vegas native who played at Cimarron-Memorial High School. "Starting for my hometown team, but I expected to start. I've been working hard. I earned it, by all means."

The junior guard transferred from Dixie State in St. George, Utah, and he scored all nine of his points -- on three 3-point shots -- in the first half of a 73-53 victory over Washburn. In 24 minutes, he also had three assists, a steal and no turnovers.

UNLV coach Lon Kruger was pleased to hear Petrimoulx's response. Look for the 6-foot-4, 195-pound shooter among the first five again tonight against Bryant, a 47-point loser to Connecticut last week, at the Mack.

"It's good he feels that way," Kruger said. "You want anyone who starts to feel that way, and he has worked hard."

Petrimoulx -- pronounced PEET-trim-moe -- said Kruger showed interest in him late in the recruiting process, that Wisconsin had been in the lead for him over Oklahoma State and Mississippi State.

"But once (UNLV) came on, I was with them," Petrimoulx said.

A YEAR OFF

Joel Anthony, a senior from Montreal who averaged 2.7 rebounds and 1.9 points in 31 games last season, was still trying to adjust Wednesday to redshirting this season.

However, he said he is happy with the decision and that he will work hard to make his teammates better in practice this season and to come back even stronger for 2006-07.

"It's not like something's wrong and I don't feel I can go. That's why it was a tough decision," Anthony said. "I don't know if I'll get used to sitting down in regular clothes while they play, but I understand."

ALSO NOTED

* Rebels forward Dutin Villepigue gathered as many teammates as he could after Tuesday night's victory, then he led them to the corner of the arena, opposite UNLV's bench, where the school band and students sit.

The Rebels thanked their peers for coming with a round of applause.

"I actually saw a couple of guys later, out that night, and they were appreciative," Villepigue said. "They couldn't believe it. They said it put a smile on their faces."

* Senior Ricky Morgan is the incumbent point guard until Jo'Van Adams, a freshman from Houston, is prepared to run the show.

Adams scored eight points with two assists and three turnovers in 17 minutes Tuesday. Morgan had five points, on 2-for-6 shooting, with two assists and two turnovers in 23 minutes.

"He's a little bit better scorer than I am, or just more comfortable," Morgan said. "It comes naturally to him. Tuesday night, he had eight quick points and played hard defensively. It'll be a joint effort."

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

(BREAKOUT STUFF)

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13-9

Bryant coach Max Good's record as UNLV interim head coach during the 2000-01 season.

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26-3

UNLV's record in exhibition games since 2001. The Rebels' last loss was 73-69 to Global Sports in 2001.

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4X4000

One of four state track and field titles earned by UNLV shooting guard Jason Petrimoulx at Green Valley High School.

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