UNLV seeks sixth consecutive victory tonight in final scheduled home game
There will be an air of finality tonight when the UNLV basketball team completes the home portion of its schedule against New Mexico.
But the way the Rebels have been playing lately, it feels as if they're just getting started.
UNLV (14-11, 6-6) has won five in a row and is building serious momentum toward next week's Mountain West Conference Tournament in Denver. Just a month ago the Rebels were 9-11, including a 2-6 conference mark.
"Things have turned around. We're rolling right now," said Andy Hannan, one of five seniors who will be honored tonight before their final game at the Thomas & Mack Center.
But the seniors say this is not the time to get sentimental. It's a huge game for both teams.
The Lobos (21-6, 8-4) have been just as hot as UNLV since the return of star forward Danny Granger, who missed three games -- all losses -- with a knee injury. New Mexico has won seven of its past eight since Granger returned, including a 78-61 victory over San Diego State on Saturday.
"You've got to look at the big picture," Rebels senior Jerel Blassingame said. "You can't let the emotions take over you. You've got to stay under control."
With that in mind, UNLV coach Lon Kruger will not follow tradition and shuffle his lineup to start the five seniors. That means Colin Darfour, the walk-on from Vo-Tech High School, will probably find himself sitting in his last home game.
"It's very important that we focus on winning the game," said senior Romel Beck, who along with Blassingame will continue to come off the bench. "We know we've got something going on right now. We're playing well, but we still have some work to do."
Senior Odartey Blankson said it's critical the Rebels concentrate on the task at hand and don't get overemotional.
"I know it's important to the fans, but the game is more important," Blankson said. "I've been looking at it as the last couple of weeks every game has been Senior Night. When we went to Wyoming, it was my last time playing there. When we were at Colorado State, it was my last time there. So this will be my last game in the Thomas & Mack."
The seniors all have their favorite UNLV memories.
For Hannan, it was beating California on Dec. 1 with a jump shot just before the final buzzer.
For Blankson, it was playing hard every night, and at a high level many of those nights. He has 29 double-doubles in his two years at UNLV.
Beck recalled his most special moments: a 23-point performance in last year's Mountain West tournament quarterfinal win over New Mexico and Saturday's 20-point, 10-rebound effort in the Rebels' 63-57 win over Air Force.
For Blassingame, it was simply playing in a big-time atmosphere with a cheering crowd.
"These last few games have been so much fun," Hannan said. "We'll definitely be pumped up for tonight and I think getting that win last night (Saturday) made this game even bigger."
There will be an air of finality tonight when the UNLV basketball team completes the home portion of its schedule against New Mexico.
But the way the Rebels have been playing lately, it feels as if they're just getting started.
UNLV (14-11, 6-6) has won five in a row and is building serious momentum toward next week's Mountain West Conference Tournament in Denver. Just a month ago the Rebels were 9-11, including a 2-6 conference mark.
"Things have turned around. We're rolling right now," said Andy Hannan, one of five seniors who will be honored tonight before their final game at the Thomas & Mack Center.
But the seniors say this is not the time to get sentimental. It's a huge game for both teams.
The Lobos (21-6, 8-4) have been just as hot as UNLV since the return of star forward Danny Granger, who missed three games -- all losses -- with a knee injury. New Mexico has won seven of its past eight since Granger returned, including a 78-61 victory over San Diego State on Saturday.
"You've got to look at the big picture," Rebels senior Jerel Blassingame said. "You can't let the emotions take over you. You've got to stay under control."
With that in mind, UNLV coach Lon Kruger will not follow tradition and shuffle his lineup to start the five seniors. That means Colin Darfour, the walk-on from Vo-Tech High School, will probably find himself sitting in his last home game.
"It's very important that we focus on winning the game," said senior Romel Beck, who along with Blassingame will continue to come off the bench. "We know we've got something going on right now. We're playing well, but we still have some work to do."
Senior Odartey Blankson said it's critical the Rebels concentrate on the task at hand and don't get overemotional.
"I know it's important to the fans, but the game is more important," Blankson said. "I've been looking at it as the last couple of weeks every game has been Senior Night. When we went to Wyoming, it was my last time playing there. When we were at Colorado State, it was my last time there. So this will be my last game in the Thomas & Mack."
The seniors all have their favorite UNLV memories.
For Hannan, it was beating California on Dec. 1 with a jump shot just before the final buzzer.
For Blankson, it was playing hard every night, and at a high level many of those nights. He has 29 double-doubles in his two years at UNLV.
Beck recalled his most special moments: a 23-point performance in last year's Mountain West tournament quarterfinal win over New Mexico and Saturday's 20-point, 10-rebound effort in the Rebels' 63-57 win over Air Force.
For Blassingame, it was simply playing in a big-time atmosphere with a cheering crowd.
"These last few games have been so much fun," Hannan said. "We'll definitely be pumped up for tonight and I think getting that win last night (Saturday) made this game even bigger."
