RENO, Nev.- In a tough conference battle on the road, the Nevada Wolf Pack fell to the UNLV Runnin' Rebels, 55-68, at the Thomas & Mack Center. Nevada couldn't overcome UNLV's physical play and dominant rebounding effort. Jaden Henley paced the Rebels with 23 points, while Jalen Hill contributed 16 points and eight rebounds to help UNLV secure the win.

First Half

Nevada started the game with energy, taking an early two-point lead before UNLV settled in and began to control the tempo. The first half saw both teams struggle from beyond the arc, with Nevada hitting just 2-of-13 three-pointers and UNLV slightly better at 2-of-10. Sanders kept Nevada in the game early, knocking down timely shots, but UNLV's Jeremiah Cherry and Henley combined for multiple inside buckets to give the Rebels a lead.

The Wolf Pack struggled on the glass, as UNLV pulled down 27 rebounds compared to Nevada's 12 in the first half, leading to 11 second-chance points. A late push by UNLV, fueled by their best scoring run of eight unanswered points, extended their lead to 34-26 at halftime.

Second Half

Nevada came out of the locker room looking to cut into the deficit, but UNLV's physicality on the boards and in the paint kept the Wolf Pack from gaining momentum. Henley and Hill continued their offensive dominance, with Hill hitting key free throws and Henley knocking down a clutch three-pointer to push the lead back to double digits.

Sanders did his best to keep Nevada in the game, scoring 16 of his 30 points in the second half, but the Wolf Pack struggled to find offensive support elsewhere. UNLV maintained their defensive intensity, forcing nine Nevada turnovers, and their rebounding dominance continued as they finished the night with a 48-27 edge on the boards. Nevada tried to rally late, but UNLV sealed the victory with a strong finish at the free-throw line, making 12-of-12 free throws in the second half.

Despite the loss, Sanders' standout performance was a bright spot for Nevada, who will look to bounce back in their next matchup. UNLV, with the win, improves their conference standing as both teams push toward the postseason.

Notable Stats

• Nevada won the battle from the bench, scoring 14 bench points to UNLV's 6
• Nevada lost the battle in paint points, scoring 22 paint points to UNLV's 28
• Nevada was dominated on the glass, only grabbing 27 rebounds to UNLV's 48 rebounds
• Nevada lost the battle in second-chance points, only scoring four to UNLV's 19. 

With the win on Friday, the Wolf Pack will head back home and host the New Mexico Lobos on senior night in Lawlor Events Center at 6 P.M on March 4th, 2025. The game will broadcast on CBS Sports Network.
 

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