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UNLV looks to use home-court advantage

Mar 9, 2007 - 4:15 PM Colorado St. (17-12) at No. 25 UNLV (26-6) 11:30 pm EST

LAS VEGAS (Ticker) -- Nevada-Las Vegas looks to build on the largest win in the history of the Mountain West Conference Tournament on Friday when it meets Colorado State in the semifinals.

On Thursday, the second-seeded Runnin' Rebels made an emphatic statement with an 89-54 romp Utah. Kevin Kruger scored 21 points while Wink Adams and Wendell White scored 15 apiece for UNLV.

The Runnin' Rebels are 12-5 all-time in the MWC, including a 16-6 mark in tournament play at the Thomas & Mack Center.

Colorado State, the sixth seed, advanced Thursday with a 69-64 upset of San Diego State. Stuart Creason scored 19 points and Jason Smith added 13 points and 13 rebounds.

The Runnin' Rebels closed out the regular season with an easy 65-47 victory over the Rams on Saturday. Kruger led with 16 points while Smith added 12 and 15 rebounds.

The winner faces either Brigham Young or Wyoming on Saturday.