 UNLV 73, CENTRAL MICHIGAN 47 A 7-1 run by the Chippewas early in the second half brought them within seven, 38-31, at the 14:47 mark. But the Rebels again held Central scoreless for three minutes, this time stretching their lead back to double digits, 47-31, with a 9-0 run. After coming within seven, the Chippewas managed just six points in the next 10:34 while the Rebels stretched their advantage to a game-high 31, 68-37.
REBELS JUST BETTER
"We lost to a better team," said CMU head coach Ernie Zeigler. "They were better than us at every position. They are a team that is on the brink of the top 25 and they are an NCAA Tournament team. Playing them on the road in front of a great atmosphere, you can only congratulate them and hopefully learn from them just how good NCAA Tournament type teams are on their home floor."
Trey Zeigler scored a game-high 16 points and Jalin Thomas recorded his first double-double of the season with 11 points and a season-best 11 rebounds. The Chippewas out-rebounded the Rebels, 36-31, but 24 CMU turnovers led to 31 points for UNLV.
EARLY TURNOVERS LAY FOUNDATION
"It's just extremely difficult to overcome 17 turnovers in the first half," said Zeigler. "Exactly what we prepared to prevent happened to us right away. We have to continue working to put ourselves in a better position to handle pressure."
For Central Michigan it was the last non-conference game of the season. The Chippewas will open Mid-American Conference play January 9 at Western Michigan.
"We are zero and zero right now," said Zeigler, who has led the Chippewas to the last two MAC West titles. "We are anxious to get back home and prepare for the start of conference play."
Courtesy of Central Michigan Athletics |
