Runnin' Rebels-Aztecs: UNLV Loses in Mountain West Tournament to San Diego State

The picture above says it all.

Although he gave one of the finest performances of his star-studded four-year career with the Rebels, Wink Adams came up short of leading UNLV to a victory over rival San Diego State in the Mountain West Tournament Quarterfinals.

This was the third meeting of the year between the two schools; the Aztecs having handed the Rebels their Regular Season Finale loss as well, and it couldn’t have been more heartbreaking for UNLV fans.

However, the Aztecs came to play, and with their third victory over UNLV, San Diego State notched their second at the Thomas and Mack Center, by the score of 71-57.

Wink certainly did his part with a game high 26 points. Tre'Von Willis had a double-double with 10 points and a career high 11 rebounds to contribute as well.

It was not enough.

San Diego State played unselfishly throughout the game. They spread the ball around the court with grace and efficiency, handing out 19 assists compared to five for the Rebels.

Four Aztecs players scored in double digits, with Lorrenzo Wade, a Las Vegas High School star, leading the way with 20 points, 10 rebounds, 4 assists, and 2 steals.

The Aztecs will now face top-seeded BYU in a semifinal game tomorrow. I like their chances. San Diego State and New Mexico are the hot teams going into conference play, and it wouldn't surprise me for a minute if they both reach the finals.

Therein lays the problem for both teams. Utah and BYU seem to be locks to go to the dance because of their RPI, and at best the NCAA will give three teams a shot to go dancing. The loser of that game, if it happens, will surely join UNLV in the NIT.

For those of us who have followed the Rebels all year, this loss did not come as a big surprise. Their poor shooting percentage, their foul shooting woes, and the most glaring weakness of them all, lack of a big man in the middle were all factors in the Rebels demise.

Coach Lon Kruger made a decision earlier in the year that Darris Santee and Brice Mussamba weren't effective in the middle. He decided to go with the small lineup, allowing Joe Darger and Rene Rougeau to take on the taller opponents they would face.

In the end one might question his decision, but the team won 21 games and was in the hunt every time out. Crucial road losses to TCU, Colorado State, Wyoming, New Mexico, Utah, and San Diego State ended any chances for a third straight trip to the NCAA Tournament.

This ends what many will say is a disappointing season for the Runnin' Rebels. Perhaps the seniors can get a little redemption with a run in the NIT.

Then it's on to next year.

There will be more to come from this reporter on the Rebels. First and foremost I am a fan in good times and bad. There were some great moments this season, and the one that stands out was the New Years’ Eve victory over the Louisville Cardinals, who should be a No. 1 or No. 2 seed in the NCAA tournament, on their home court.

I thought that victory would carry the Rebels through the Mountain West Conference season, but it didn't, primarily due to the reasons mentioned.

So, let’s see what happens in the NIT.