Utah State Runs Runnin’ Rebels Off the Floor in Quarterfinal of Mountain West Conference Tournament
Utah State’s Mason Falslev (12) bodies up UNLV’s Dra Gibbs-Lawhorn (0) in the quarterfinal game in the MWC Tournament. Utah State won 80-60 in Las Vegas, NV. Photo: Erik Moulton/The Pit Press
When it mattered most, UNLV did not have Utah State’s number.
The Aggies had suffered two double-digit defeats to UNLV during conference play, leading many to believe that the Runnin’ Rebels were the team in the MW that could knock of the regular season champions in the conference tournament.
The only thing close about this game was the first 11 minutes before Utah State ran UNLV off its home floor with a 80 to 60 loss in front of a strong showing by Utah State’s student section the Hurd.
Photo: Erik Moulton/The Pit Press
After the teams were tied 16-16, Utah State outscored UNLV 21-7 in the final 9 minutes of the first half and carried a 37-23 lead at the break.
The Aggies’ late first half run was sparked by Mountain West Conference Player of the Year Mason Falslev and Second Team All Mountain West Selection MJ Collins, who combined for 15 of Utah State’s 19 down the stretch of the first period.
Defensively, Utah State took advantage of UNLV having to play on a back-to-back. The Aggies used relentless ball pressure to force 19 UNLV turnovers, which led to 23 points off turnovers for Utah State.
Falslev finished with 24 points and was one rebound shy of a double-double. Collins was Utah State’s only other double-figure scorer and he finished with 20 points on 7-of-15 shooting.
Photo: Erik Moulton/The Pit Press
UNLV was unable to get the lead within single digits in the second half. Utah State held the MW’s leading scorer Dra Gibbs-Lawhorn to 17 points on an inefficient 6 of 17 shooting.
Utah State will advance to the semi-final round where they will take on the winner of Grand Canyon and Nevada at 6:30 pm.
