UNLV Runnin’ Rebels Stay Perfect in Mountain West with Gritty Win Over San Jose State

Doug Vazquez | Jan 4, 2025

UNLV Rebels guard Dedan Thomas Jr. / Steven Branscombe-Imagn Images

The Runnin’ Rebels extended their win streak  with a 79-73 victory over San Jose State on Saturday afternoon at the Thomas & Mack Center. The win marked UNLV’s fourth consecutive victory and fifth in their last six games, improving their record to 9-5 overall and 3-0 in Mountain West Conference play.

3-0 pic.twitter.com/lJBJ3STRvN

— UNLV Men's Basketball (@TheRunninRebels) January 5, 2025

UNLV once again displayed a balanced offensive attack with four players scoring in double figures. Dedan Thomas Jr. led the way with 17 points, six assists, two steals, and just one turnover. Jailen Bedford contributed 16 points, making a game-high three three-pointers, while Jaden Henley and Jalen Hill added 13 and 10 points, respectively.

The Rebels dominated early, shooting 51.5% from the field in the first half while holding San Jose State to just 25.8%. They went into halftime with to 44-26 lead, and they extended their advantage to 20 points midway through the second half. However, the Spartans didn’t go quietly, using a 14-0 run to cut the deficit to three with just over three minutes left. Despite the scare, UNLV regrouped, pushing their lead back to seven with 90 seconds to play and closing out the win.

Rebounding continues to be a concern for UNLV, as they were outworked on the glass 40-28. San Jose State’s Sadraque NgaNga led the rebounding effort with 11 boards, part of his double-double performance. However, the Rebels’ efficient offense and defensive pressure—forcing 12 turnovers and scoring 16 points off those mistakes—proved to be the difference.

Head coach Kevin Kruger praised his team’s preparation and execution, saying, “Our guys are doing a great job of carrying over the scouting report and the practices… In the Mountain West, you have to do that every single game.”

UNLV now turns its focus to a crucial road test at Boise State on Tuesday, January 7. The Broncos (2-1 in Mountain West play) represent the Rebels’ toughest conference opponent yet, making this a pivotal matchup as UNLV looks to solidify its position atop the Mountain West standings. The game is set for 7:30 p.m. PT on FS1.

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