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May 18, 2013

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Taylor Bern

UNLV Sports Reporter

Taylor, who covers UNLV sports, is a 2010 graduate of the William Allen White School of Journalism at the University of Kansas. He worked for newspapers in Iowa, Kansas and Missouri before moving out to the desert, working seven months on the sports desk at the Arizona Republic before joining the Sun in November 2011. His outside passions include good books, bad coffee and the search for adequate leg room.

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Story Archive

51s offense carries them to 2nd straight victory in Omaha
Saturday, May 18, 2013
Andrew Brown drove in four runs and scored three of his own to help the Las Vegas 51s run away with a second straight victory in Omaha, Neb.
Sunday's commencement caps nice run of success for athletics' academics
Despite heavy turnover among the academic support staff, the Rebels have posted stellar GPA and progress numbers lately
Friday, May 17, 2013
At UNLV athletic department meetings, when head coaches from all of the sports would gather with administrators to discuss the topic of the day, Rebels Athletic Director Jim Livengood gave that pole position to academics.
Interim AD announcement coming soon; full-time likely in the fall
UNLV President Neal Smatresk said he's close to naming an interim athletic director to fill in after Jim Livengood retires June 30
Wednesday, May 15, 2013
The Rebels could announce their interim athletic director as soon as next week, UNLV President Neal Smatresk said Wednesday. Meanwhile, the full-time replacement is looking like a decision for the fall.
Mountain West partners with ROOT Sports for new regional TV deal
ROOT Sports Rocky Mountain will produce about 35 live league games this year. The channel is available locally on DirecTV but not Cox Communications
Wednesday, May 15, 2013
UNLV fans may miss out on some televised games this season, depending on their cable provider.
Rebels basketball adds class of 2015 guard to list of scholarship offers
Three locals are among the five preps who currently hold offers from UNLV
Friday, May 10, 2013
If everyone stayed put, the UNLV basketball coaching staff would be in for a very relaxing summer. If only things were that simple. A new scholarship offer shows the staff is already working ahead, plus there’s a clue about possible changes coming after next season.
Battle for the Cannon, 2 other UNLV games to appear on ESPN networks
The Oct. 26 game at UNR and a pair of November home games could appear on ABC, ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU or ESPN3
Thursday, May 9, 2013
The Battle for the Fremont Cannon and two other UNLV games will appear on ESPN networks this fall, the Mountain West announced Thursday afternoon.
Take 5: The most important tasks facing UNLV's next athletic director
Overseeing the completion of two major projects and continuing the success in fundraising are keys for Jim Livengood's replacement
Thursday, May 9, 2013
Speculation behind UNLV Athletic Director Jim Livengood’s sudden departure won’t likely die down soon. The official line is he’s retiring, though many suspect there may have been a push out that door.
UNLV could receive about $1 million for moving Arizona football game
Wednesday, May 8, 2013
UNLV may be in for a $1 million payday for moving its home opener, according to Rebels Athletics Director Jim Livengood. The Sept. 7 game is scheduled to open the UNLV football team’s home slate this season.
Jim Livengood suddenly retires from his post at the helm of UNLV athletics
Livengood, 68, will step away on June 30 after three and a half years with the Rebels
Wednesday, May 8, 2013
He’s retiring, but Jim Livengood isn’t tired. That was the message from the UNLV athletic director who on Wednesday announced he would step away after three and a half years with the university. His decision is effective June 30.
UNLV scholarship program strives to give personal touch to donors
Wednesday, May 8, 2013
Derek Ernst’s path to his first career PGA victory was a memorable one. And watching back in Las Vegas, two Rebels boosters felt a special connection to it.
UNLV's Moser says he will transfer to Oregon
The junior forward and former leading scorer thanks UNLV for changing his life but opts to go closer to home
Tuesday, May 7, 2013
Mike Moser will transfer to Oregon, the junior forward told the Sun Tuesday afternoon. The Portland, Ore., native was considering Oregon, Washington and Gonzaga. He called all three of those coaches to tell them the news.
Anthony Bennett needs shoulder surgery; draft stock not expected to slide
Tuesday, May 7, 2013
Anthony Bennett will miss the NBA Summer League because of shoulder surgery but the injury is not expected to affect his status as a top 10 draft pick. Bennett’s agent, Jeff Schwartz, confirmed a report to ESPN’s Chad Ford that Bennett will get surgery Wednesday for a torn rotator cuff in his left shoulder. He’ll be out four months, forcing him to miss predraft workouts and the NBA Summer League. Bennett likely would have played those Summer League games on UNLV’s campus, though some teams also compete in Orlando, Fla.

UNLV football season opener at Minnesota will air on the Big Ten Network
Monday, May 6, 2013
The UNLV football season opener at Minnesota will air on the Big Ten Network, it was announced Monday afternoon.
UNLV headlines the field at 2013 Las Vegas Classic
The Rebels last holiday tournament at Orleans Arena ended with a victory against North Carolina. This year's is Dec. 22-23
Friday, May 3, 2013
UNLV basketball knows it’s staying home for the Christmas holiday, and now it’s just waiting to see exactly who it will play. The Rebels headline the field for the 13th annual Continental Tire Las Vegas Classic, which will be played Dec. 22-23 at Orleans Arena.
UNLV in discussions about moving football home opener to Arizona
The Rebels approached the Wildcats about moving the Sept. 7 game to Glendale, Ariz. The deal could be done by early next week
Friday, May 3, 2013
UNLV football’s home opener on Sept. 7 against Arizona may move from Sam Boyd Stadium to University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Ariz., UNLV Athletic Director Jim Livengood confirmed late Thursday night.
LDS missionary eager to begin UNLV basketball career
2011 signee Dantley Walker is nearing the end of his two years in the Washington area and the start of a different type of work
Friday, May 3, 2013
Two years removed from his commitment to UNLV, Dantley Walker today seems almost as much a rumor as a member of the Rebels’ incoming recruiting class. The others in that five-player haul are more tangible.
Proposed Thomas & Mack Center upgrades could cost $60 million
UNLV is awaiting legislative action that would set in motion renovations to the 30-year-old arena
Thursday, May 2, 2013
This year, when the Thomas & Mack Center turns 30 years old, UNLV officials know exactly what present they want to get the building that brings more than $200 million annually to the local economy, according to a 2012 economic impact report. The university has proposed a $60 million renovation plan to remodel or replace many fixtures that make up the arena.
Tarkanian statue will feature legendary coach with towel in his mouth
An open seat next to the bronze statue will make it easy for fans to take pictures on the way into games
Wednesday, May 1, 2013
A proposed statue of Jerry Tarkanian will show the legendary UNLV coach sitting on chair, towel in mouth, next to an open seat, it was revealed Wednesday. UNLV held a press conference at the Richard Tam Alumni Center on campus to announce details of the Jerry Tarkanian Legacy Project. The Sun reported last week that it would include a statue of the Rebels’ former coach, who was recently inducted into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame.
First initial will differentiate three Smiths on back of UNLV jerseys
Monday, April 29, 2013
D. Smith. K. Smith. R. Smith. That’s what the back of the UNLV jerseys will look like for Rebels DeVille Smith, Kendall Smith and Roscoe Smith this season, coach Dave Rice said.
Rebels home opener against Arizona will air on CBS Sports Network
UNLV will host the Wildcats on Saturday, Sept. 7, at 7:30 p.m.
Friday, April 26, 2013
The UNLV football home opener against Arizona on Saturday, Sept. 7, will be at 7:30 p.m. on CBS Sports Network, it was announced Friday morning.
Sources: UNLV planning Jerry Tarkanian statue
The university will hold a press conference Wednesday to reveal plans for a project honoring the UNLV legend
Thursday, April 25, 2013
UNLV will hold a press conference next Wednesday to announce plans to construct a statue of former basketball coach Jerry Tarkanian outside of the Thomas & Mack Center, according to multiple sources.
6 questions with ... UNLV tennis star Aleksandra Josifoska
A junior with a 16-3 record, Josifoska leads the Rebels into this weekend's Mountain West Tournament with their sights on the top prize
Thursday, April 25, 2013
Aleksandra Josifoska’s passport is probably better than yours, and in a lot of cases it’s not even close.
NFL Draft expected to be a quiet weekend for area players
The list of players with local ties who could hear their names called may not go more than two deep
Thursday, April 25, 2013
Just as the 2013 NFL Draft lacks the regular buildup because of the absence of marquee quarterbacks, it doesn’t appear like it will be an eventful weekend for Las Vegas related NFL hopefuls.
UNLV football game at Air Force to be televised on ESPNU
Tuesday, April 23, 2013
UNLV's football game at Air Force on Thursday, Nov. 21, will be on ESPNU, it was announced Tuesday afternoon. The Mountain West released the first seven televised games as part of its deal with the ESPN networks.
UNLV football notebook: Rebels entering crucial improvement phase
Friday, April 19, 2013
The end of spring football practice is more important for what comes after it than what was left behind. The work completed was crucial but a lot of it will be touched on again when fall practice commences.
20 questions with ... UNLV tennis player Ace Matias
The sophomore is the Rebels' top player, ranking near the top 120 in the country. UNLV plays Fresno State at home this Saturday at noon
Thursday, April 18, 2013
UNLV sophomore Ace Matias has the name, the genes and the determination to be a great tennis player. Now if he could just get his band, Bud Light Weekend, off the ground.
Players sign letters of intent, officially completing UNLV's 2013 recruiting class
Kendall Smith and DeVille Smith are officially the two newest Rebels. They will both compete right away for the starting point guard spot
Wednesday, April 17, 2013
UNLV basketball received two signed national letters of intent Wednesday, officially moving the Rebels closer to filling out the roster for the 2013-14 season. It also moves the team closer to an all-Smith lineup.
Coachella Week: The xx equals makeout music on stage
Wednesday, April 17, 2013
After a rain-shortened show at Cosmo in October, The xx happily returned to Las Vegas on April 16.
Carlos Lopez-Sosa out to finish what he started with UNLV
He'll be a fifth-year senior next year, electing to stay at UNLV instead of transferring to another Division-I school
Wednesday, April 17, 2013
Dave Rice went around the room, from player to player, asking each one if he was completely committed to the 2013-14 UNLV basketball season. When the coach came to Carlos Lopez-Sosa, whose minutes have gone down each season at UNLV, the junior forward didn’t have an answer. He was fielding interest from a few schools across the country and didn’t want to commit to something that he may abandon a week later.
Hutson returns to SDSU, leaving vacancy on UNLV coaching staff
UNLV assistant says it was "just time" for change that sends him back to the Rebels' Mountain West rival
Monday, April 15, 2013
Justin Hutson is an Aztec. Again. San Diego State coach Steve Fisher officially announced Hutson’s return Monday afternoon, a few days after news leaked that the UNLV associate head coach would return to his previous position on the Aztec coaching staff.
Rebels end spring practice happy with what they accomplished
Running back Adonis Smith was a bright spot in the team's Spring Showcase on Friday, the final event before the team breaks for summer
Saturday, April 13, 2013
Deprived of any game action as he sat out a year following his transfer from Northwestern, junior running back Adonis Smith felt nervous heading into Friday’s Spring Showcase.
Rice expects UNLV assistant to head back to Mountain West rival
Justin Hutson is reportedly close to returning to his old position at San Diego State
Friday, April 12, 2013
UNLV associate head coach Justin Hutson is likely heading back to San Diego State, according to UNLV coach Dave Rice.
Take 5: What to watch for in UNLV's Spring Showcase scrimmage
A new middle linebacker and some position changes are a few things to see at Friday's event at 5:30 p.m.
Friday, April 12, 2013
Friday is seemingly when the fun begins for UNLV spring football, though by the looks of the end of Wednesday’s practice, it may have been right there in an enclosed space that featured two offensive players protecting a ball carrier from an oncoming defender.
Mountain West releases football schedule; Battle for the Cannon on Oct. 26
Thursday, April 11, 2013
The UNLV football team will open conference play at New Mexico on Saturday, Sept. 2, the Mountain West announced Thursday afternoon.
17 questions with ... UNLV sprinter Emily Blok
The senior is still getting faster as she surges toward the end of her collegiate career and a possible trip to the NCAA Championships
Thursday, April 11, 2013
The harder Emily Blok works, the less time you have to see her perform. That’s the trick with track athletes, especially sprinters like the UNLV senior captain.
UNLV secondary aims to step up this season with more big plays
Tuesday, April 9, 2013
As bad as the final 2012 record looked, one could argue UNLV was only a few plays away from something better. Maybe a couple more victories, which would mean a lot for a program with only six of them over the past three seasons.
Source: 'Good chance' Moser transfers from UNLV to Washington
After nearly putting his name into the NBA Draft last season, Moser could be headed to his second Pac-12 school
Friday, April 5, 2013
There’s a “good chance” UNLV junior forward Mike Moser will transfer to Washington for his final season of college eligibility, according to a source close to the team.
Jerry Tarkanian reportedly heading to the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame
Friday, April 5, 2013
Jerry Tarkanian. Hall of famer. That’s the newest title for the legendary coach, who had been trying to receive the distinction for more than 20 years after taking UNLV to four Final Fours, including one national championship. CBSSports.com reported Friday morning that Tarkanian will be a member of the 2013 class inducted into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame. Rick Pitino reportedly is also in.
Cheyenne grad doing anything he can to help keep Wichita's run alive
Demetric Williams' minutes have dropped in NCAA Tournament, but his former coach is still excited
Friday, April 5, 2013
For the second straight year, Cheyenne coach Terel Fair will have a particular interest in the Final Four. Last year he watched former Desert Shield Elijah Johnson and Kansas come within one victory of a national title. This year it’s Wichita State’s Demetric Williams making the trip. “(Williams) is the poster child for what you can do when no one else believes in you except yourself,” Fair said.
UNLV sophomore doing whatever he can to make impact on the football field
Nick Gstrein has moved from tight end to offensive line and possibly more in order to put himself in position for more playing time
Thursday, April 4, 2013
Of all the changes taking place at Rebel Park this spring, there are two that make sophomore Nick Gstrein most happy.
14 questions with ... UNLV junior pitcher Amanda Oliveto
The Californian leads the league in innings pitched and ranks second in strikeouts. You can see her at home this weekend vs. Fresno State
Thursday, April 4, 2013
A Simi Valley, Calif., native, Amanda Oliveto is one of 13 Californians on the Rebels’ roster of 18 players, but she’s the only one with four career no-hitters.
Rebels football trying new strategies and working through mistakes
Tuesday, April 2, 2013
Pay no attention to the man behind the placard.
UNLV's Bennett emotional as he officially declares for NBA Draft
Rebels freshman expected to go in top 10 of June's draft. “I won’t be wearing a UNLV jersey anymore but I’ll always be a Runnin’ Rebel for life," he said
Monday, April 1, 2013
Anthony Bennett sat down at a table upstairs in the Mendenhall Center on Monday afternoon as a UNLV freshman. He stood up as a former Rebel.
Anthony Marshall's pro career journey to start at Portsmouth Invitational
Saturday, March 30, 2013
UNLV senior guard Anthony Marshall has accepted an invitation to play in the Portsmouth Invitational from April 10-13 in Virginia, Rebels coach Dave Rice said Friday.
Source says Rebels' Bennett heading to the NBA
School sets press conference for 3 p.m. Monday, when the Rebels' freshman forward will announce he's leaving
Friday, March 29, 2013
UNLV freshman forward Anthony Bennett will announce his plans for next season during a press conference Monday at 3 p.m. in the Mendenhall Center, the school announced Friday afternoon. Listed by most projections as a top five pick, a source confirmed Bennett would forego his remaining eligibility and declare for June’s NBA Draft. CBS Sports first reported Bennett's departure Sunday, though it's been expected by most people around the program since Bennett stepped on campus.
Two Rebels off to great starts on USA Elite Under-23 team in France
Juniors-to-be Roscoe Smith and Jelan Kendrick combined for 53 points in a friendly victory leading into pool play
Friday, March 29, 2013
Roscoe Smith and Jelan Kendrick have yet to play an official minute for UNLV. In the mean time they’re logging time together on the USA Elite Under-23 team, including combining for 53 points in a friendly game.
Improvement in full-court pressure an important piece of Rebels' 2013-14 puzzle
Friday, March 29, 2013
The wheels are still turning and the pieces aren’t yet all in place but that can’t stop UNLV coach Dave Rice from getting excited about the 2013-14 season.
14 questions with ... UNLV junior pitcher Buddy Borden
The Arbor View grad currently leads the league in ERA while ranking fourth in strikeouts. He'll pitch Saturday at home against Air Force
Thursday, March 28, 2013
Saturday afternoon belongs to junior right-hander Buddy Borden (3-1), an Arbor View grad with a league-leading 1.31 ERA and 34 strikeouts in 41 1/3 innings.
Five-star forward in the class of 2014 commits to UNLV
Dwayne Morgan, who visited campus in February, goes to the same high school as current UNLV freshman Daquan Cook
Wednesday, March 27, 2013
Less than a week after UNLV suffered another early loss in the NCAA Tournament it notched another victory on the recruiting trail. Five-star forward Dwayne Morgan had an event at his high school Wednesday and committed to the Rebels.
Rebels could have lineup options for different styles of play next season
Wednesday, March 27, 2013
As long as you go in understanding that they could be completely moot by the time the season starts, projecting lineups can be a lot of fun. We look ahead to some possible UNLV lineup configurations for 2013-14.

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