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UNLV runs away from Colorado State

Jan 31, 2007 - 6:29 AM FORT COLLINS, Colorado (Ticker) -- Nevada-Las Vegas looks like it belongs in the national rankings.

Jo'Van Adams scored 17 points to lead the 25th-ranked Runnin' Rebels to a 76-59 victory over Colorado State in a Mountain West Conference game.

Celebrating its return to the Top 25 for the first time in 14 years, UNLV (19-4, 6-2 MWC) pulled away in the second half to extend its winning streak to five games and hand the Rams just their second home loss of the season.

UNLV closed the first half with a 7-0 run to carry a 37-28 lead into the break.

"I thought the first half dictated the game," Rams coach Dale Layer said. "Their pressure had us back on our heels. Every time we made a run they hit a big three. We played hard, but we didn't play smart enough. It was disappointing to watch.

"We had some open looks, but we didn't knock them down early. You have 16 turnovers in the first half, that's the difference in the game. You cannot have 16 turnovers."

The Runnin' Rebels used a 20-5 run to break open the game, moving ahead, 59-40, on a layup by Wendell White midway through the second half. White finished with 16 points on 7-of-10 shooting.

After Colorado State (14-6, 4-4) pulled within 39-35 on a 3-pointer by Tim Denson, Adams scored seven points to help UNLV stretch the advantage to 46-37 with 14 1/2 minutes to play.

The Runnin' Rebels then ran away for good as Kevin Kruger converted a three-point play and Michael Umeh and Curtis Terry connected from the arc. UNLV shot 9-of-18 from 3-point range.

Colorado State was unable to cope with UNLV's pressure defense, committing 21 turnovers to offset its 39-28 domination on the glass.

"They basically play with four guards, and not to take anything away from (forward Jason Smith) and (center Stuart Creason), but when you match up guards versus post players, it's kind of a mismatch," Colorado State guard Cory Lewis said. "You can't really get into your offense like you want to, because they pressure 94 feet."

Stephen Gilling scored 13 points and Smith added 12 and 10 rebounds for the Rams, who shot 36.5 percent (19-of-52) for the contest.

It was the worst loss Colorado State suffered on its home court since Utah posted a 75-52 victory in 2005.

"We were on our heels most of the night," Layer said. "We just did not respond to their pressure. That's the difference, their pressure versus our lack of poise. Their defense was spectacular. You can't have those turnover problems and expect to beat a really good team."