Rebels need rally to secure exhibition win

The UNLV Runnin’ Rebels needed a late rally to overcome a deficit against Division II Washburn at the Thomas & Mack Center on Tuesday night in their season opener.

Trailing 37-30 in the second half, UNLV, sparked by sophomore Chace Stanback used a 32-15 run to defeat the Ichabods, 62-52. Stanback finished with a game-high of 15 points. Sophomore Oscar Bellfield was the only other Rebel who hit double-digits with 11.

Playing with a number of new players on it’s roster, UNLV never seemed to find a rhythm offensively during the exhibition. The Rebels shot a woeful 35% from the floor and an even worse 17% from beyond the 3-point line. Even the free throw shooting was off as UNLV hit only 60% from the charity stripe.

The Rebels forced Washburn into 24 turnovers but failed to capitalize on the mistakes.

All and all it was a typical preseason game with a number of different line-ups on the floor. No one unit lasted more than a couple minutes on the floor together. The combination of Derrick Jasper, Tre Willis, Brice Massamba, Darris Santee and Bellfield got the nod to start the game.

UNLV will face another DII squad from Kansas, Pittsburg State, in it’s season opener on Saturday evening.