Posted on

New Added Value Concessions Packages Announced For Runnin’ Rebel Basketball

NEW ADDED VALUE CONCESSIONS PACKAGES ANNOUNCED FOR RUNNIN’ REBEL BASKETBALL

As a way to add value for UNLV basketball fans, UNLV Athletics has announced two unique concessions packages for the 2019-20 Runnin’ Rebel season.
 
UNLV men’s basketball season ticket holders will have the option to upgrade their experience at the Thomas & Mack Center with a meal for six of the biggest games this coming season. The “Eat All You Can” option, which was introduced last season, will return for those who purchase group tickets to select games.
 
For only $7 per game, which is a significant savings over game day concessions prices, Runnin’ Rebel season ticket holders will be able to enjoy a variety of concessions combo items for select games. Items will include pizza, chicken fingers, cheeseburgers, and more. To take advantage, season ticket holders can simply redeem a pre-paid voucher at the concessions stands for their meal. The offering will include:


  • 11.9.19 vs. Kansas State – Chicken fingers, fries and regular soft drink

  • 11.23.19 vs. SMU – Pizza and regular soft drink

  • 1.18.20 vs. New Mexico – Cheeseburger, fries and regular soft drink

  • 1.26.20 vs. SDSU – Chicken fingers, fries and regular soft drink

  • 2.12.20 vs. UNR – Pizza and regular soft drink

  • 2.26.20 vs. Boise State – Cheeseburger, fries and regular soft drink


“We have listened to our season ticket holders and are excited to offer the opportunity for them to upgrade their experience during some of our biggest games this season,” said Megan Caligiuri, Senior Associate Athletics Director for External Operations.

The “Eat All You Can” option for groups of 20 or more will return for the same six games, and will include unlimited hot dogs, nachos, popcorn, and soda from select stands. Group ticket prices with “Eat All You Can” start as low as $20.

Runnin’ Rebel season ticket holders will have until October 30, 2019, to purchase the featured meal upgrade. To purchase, season ticket holders can log-in to their UNLVTickets account here, or call 702-739-FANS. Those interested in group tickets with unlimited hot dogs, nachos, popcorn, and soda may contact Group Sales Coordinator Michelle Carey, at michelle.carey@unlv.edu or 702-895-2785.

The Runnin’ Rebels, under first-year head coach T.J. Otzelberger, will host West Coast Baptist College in an exhibition game at the Thomas & Mack Center on Friday, Oct. 25, before facing Purdue Fort Wayne to open the regular season on Tuesday, Nov. 5. Fans will have a chance to see the team, along with the Lady Rebels, for the first time at the UNLV Basketball Showcase, which starts at 6 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 5, prior to UNLV football’s game vs. Boise State.

Season tickets are on sale now, starting as low as $119. Click here to purchase or for more information, visit UNLVtickets.com, call 702-739-FANS or visit the Thomas & Mack Center Box Office.

Posted on

UNLV MEN’S BASKETBALL NEWS: Regular Season Opens Friday At Home

UNLV Men’s Basketball
South Alabama

at

UNLV
Matchup South Alabama (0-0, 0-0 Sun Belt) at UNLV (0-0, 0-0 Mountain West)
Date Friday, November 11, 2016
Time 7:00 p.m. PT
Site Tarkanian Court, Thomas & Mack Center (18,000), Las Vegas
Video Mountain West Network/UNLVRebels.com (Tony Cordasco, Jevon Banks)
Radio ESPN Radio 1100 AM/100.9 FM (Jon Sandler, Robert Smith)
Audio UNLV Gameday App & UNLVRebels.com
Stats Gametracker at UNLVRebels.com
Twitter @TheRunninRebels

 

RUNNIN’ REBEL REGULAR SEASON OPENS FRIDAY AT HOME

Coach Menzies’ UNLV head-coaching debut set for 7 p.m. at the Thomas & Mack Center vs. South Alabama




Coming off two wins in its exhibition games, the UNLV men’s basketball team will open the 2016-17 regular season on Friday, Nov. 11, at 7 p.m. at the Thomas & Mack Center vs. South Alabama. It will be a doubleheader with the UNLV women’s basketball team as the Lady Rebels will face Concordia, also at the Thomas & Mack Center at 4 p.m. 

 

The Runnin’ Rebels’ season lid-lifter will also mark head coach Marvin Menzies’ official debut leading the program.

 

As part of Heroes Week, through which UNLV Athletics is honoring veterans, active duty service personnel, police, fire and other first responders, special activities are being planned for Friday’s game, which also is taking place on Veterans Day.
Discount tickets are available for military, police, fire, emergency responder or any other “hero” groups (contact Dan Johnson – 702-895-1885). For all other ticket information, visit UNLVtickets.com or call 702-739-FANS (3267).

 

The Runnin’ Rebels have 12 newcomers on their roster this season and return just three players from last year’s 18-15 team. South Alabama was 14-19 overall in 2015-16, but returns three starters.

 

Friday’s game will have no television coverage, however a live Mountain West Network video stream will be available for free at UNLVRebels.com with Tony Cordasco and Jevon Banks calling the action. Jon Sandler and Robert Smith will handle the radio call, which may be heard live on ESPN Radio 1100 AM/100.9 FM. All internet links along with live stats will be available at UNLVRebels.com.

 

Posted on

UNLV MEN’S BASKETBALL NEWS: Three Preseason Events Announced

unlv

THREE PRESEASON RUNNIN’ REBEL EVENTS ANNOUNCED

Runnin’ Rebel Rally will be held Oct. 26 at the UNLV Student Union Courtyard, Season Ticket Holder Appreciation will take place prior to the first exhibition game on Nov. 1, and Runnin’ Rebel Basketball Tip-Off Luncheon will be Nov. 10
 

With the UNLV men’s basketball season scheduled to start in three weeks, the athletics department has announced three events that will take place during the preseason.

• Runnin’ Rebel Rally is scheduled for Wednesday, Oct. 26, from 5-7 p.m. at the UNLV Student Union Courtyard. The student-centric event will feature entertainment with live music and performances by local talent, the UNLV band, the Rebel Girls, cheer and Hey Reb. There will be food and drink available, with giveaways, raffles and prizes also planned. The UNLV men’s and women’s basketball teams will both be introduced and be available to sign autographs as well. Further details may be found here.

• On Tuesday, Nov. 1, before the Runnin’ Rebels play their first exhibition game vs. Dakota Wesleyan at 7 p.m. at the Thomas & Mack Center, a Season Ticket Holder Appreciation Event will be held from 5:30-6:30 p.m. at Cox Pavilion. It will feature a cocktail reception with remarks from new head coach Marvin Menzies. Raffles and giveaways are also being planned for that event. An invitation has been sent to season ticket holders.

• On Thursday, Nov. 10, the Runnin’ Rebel Basketball Tip-Off Luncheon will be held at Tam Alumni Center on campus. Tickets must be purchased in advance. Further details on the luncheon will be available soon.

“We have been working hard and are excited to get the season underway,” Menzies said. “We have met so many great people in the community so far and are really looking forward to meeting more Runnin’ Rebel fans at these upcoming events.”

Season and single-game tickets are on sale now and may be purchased online at UNLVtickets.com, on the phone at 702-739-FANS (3267) and in person at the Thomas & Mack Center Box Office. Mini-plans are also available.

In addition to Nov. 1, the Runnin’ Rebels will play another home exhibition game on Friday, Nov. 4 vs. New Mexico Highlands before opening the regular season at the Thomas & Mack Center on Friday, Nov. 11 vs. South Alabama. Those games will all start at 7 p.m.

Posted on

UNLV MEN’S BASKETBALL NEWS: Chicago’s Zion Morgan Signs With Runnin’ Rebels

 

UNLV

CHICAGO’S ZION MORGAN SIGNS WITH RUNNIN’ REBELS

6-foot-4-inch guard from Kenwood Academy added to 2016-17 UNLV men’s basketball roster by Coach Menzies

 
 
The UNLV men’s basketball program has received another signed national letter of intent, head coach Marvin Menzies announced Tuesday. Zion Morgan is the latest addition to the Runnin’ Rebel roster and will be a freshman during the upcoming 2016-17 season.
 
“As we navigate building our roster going forward, our coaching staff is looking for specific things,” Menzies said. “Zion fits exactly into the areas of character, talent, upside and passion to be a Runnin’ Rebel. As we stagger our classes, we have been looking for a couple of freshmen that can come in and potentially contribute early, but also add to the stability of the roster beyond this year. We feel we have that in Zion.” 
 
Morgan is a 6-foot-4-inch guard from Chicago’s Kenwood Academy, where he averaged 14.7 points, 5.0 assists and 2.2 steals per game last season. He is a three-star prospect according to Rivals and made the Chicago Sun-Times All-City Team. 
 
“Zion comes from a tradition of winning and we always look for that dynamic in our recruitment process,” Menzies added. “We are excited to add another young, talented student-athlete to the UNLV family.”
 
Morgan helped lead his high school team to a 22-5 record as a senior, the Red Central and regional titles, and the team’s first appearance in the city championship game.
 
“Zion is a great kid, a good student and comes from a great family background,” said Marlo Finner, head coach at Kenwood. “He is a very bright young man, is well-respected by his teammates and always works hard in practice every day. He has a good attitude, wants to get better and has a lot of leadership qualities, as he was one of our captains last year. On the court, he is a good defender with good on-ball pressure, he can score, is a slasher and has a nice mid-range game. He is a well-rounded combo guard.”
 
Morgan joins Kris Clyburn, a 6-foot-6-inch guard from Ranger (Texas) College, Ben Coupet, a 6-foot-7-inch forward from Chicago (Simeon Career Academy), and Cheikna Dembele, a 6-foot-11-inch center from Mali Africa (Scotland Performance Institute in Pa.), as incoming Runnin’ Rebels that have signed NLIs. Clyburn will be a sophomore in 2016-17, while Coupet and Dembele will both be freshmen.
Posted on

UNLV MEN’S BASKETBALL NEWS: Online Only Pre-Sale For Lower Bowl Runnin’ Rebel Season Tickets Begins Thursday

UNLV

ONLINE ONLY PRE-SALE FOR LOWER BOWL RUNNIN’ REBEL SEASON TICKETS BEGINS THURSDAY

Limited number of downstairs season tickets for the 2015-16 UNLV men’s basketball season will then go on sale to the public on Monday

UNLV Men’s Basketball Ticket Information

 

 A limited number of season tickets in the lower bowl of the Thomas & Mack Center for the 2015-16 UNLV men’s basketball season will go on sale via a online only pre-sale on Thursday, July 30 starting at 10 a.m. They will then go on sale to the public on Monday, August 3 at 10 a.m.

Seats will be sold on a first-come, first-served basis and may only be purchased during the online pre-sale at UNLVtickets.com, then once on sale to the public, they may be purchased in person at the Thomas & Mack Center box office, by calling 702-739-FANS (3267) or online at UNLVtickets.com. Supplies are limited and prices vary based on location with a priority seating donation required in addition to the ticket price. Lower bowl season tickets start at $605. Some lower bowl seats also require a major gift donation.
Downstairs areas available for purchase include Lower Bowl 6, Lower Bowl 7 and Lower Bowl 8, while upstairs RAF (Rebel Athletic Fund) Balcony, Balcony and End Balcony will also be for sale. Fans interested in Lower Bowl 1 through Lower Bowl 5 will need to call the RAF Office at 702-895-1533. Click here for a map showing locations of described areas. To view available seating in person, please call the RAF office to set up an appointment.

Head Coach Dave Rice is entering his fifth season at the helm of the Runnin’ Rebel program. UNLV returns seven scholarship players from last year’s roster with five newcomers making up another highly regarded recruiting class. After a top-five class in 2014, Rivals has this year’s Runnin’ Rebel class ranked No. 11 in the country.

Posted on

UNLV MEN’S BASKETBALL NEWS: Runnin’ Rebels Host Boise State Wednesday At 8 PM, Pregame Tarkanian Tribute Planned

UNLV

RUNNIN’ REBELS HOST BOISE STATE WEDNESDAY AT 8 PM
UNLV men’s basketball down to seven scholarship players because of injuries, pregame tribute to Coach Tarkanian planned

 

The UNLV men’s basketball team, winner of four of its last six games, is coming off a 73-61 win vs. Fresno State and a 76-75 loss at Air Force in its two games last week. The Runnin’ Rebels will now host Boise State on Wednesday, Feb. 18 at 8 p.m. at the Thomas & Mack Center.

A special pregame tribute in memory of legendary former Runnin’ Rebel head coach and Hall of Famer Jerry Tarkanian, who recently passed away, will take place. Fans are encouraged to be in their seats early for the tribute. In addition, fans will receive a commemorative towel to honor Coach Tarkanian.

UNLV’s two losses over its last six games are by one point each – at Air Force on Saturday and at Colorado State (83-82) on Feb. 7. Taking out the Runnin’ Rebels’ overtime loss at Boise State (82-73 on Jan. 13), and the wins over Air Force (74-63 on Jan. 31), Fresno State (Feb. 10) and San José State (74-40 on Jan. 10), UNLV’s other eight Mountain West games have been decided by an average of 3.0 points per game (two one-point games, three two-point games, two five-point games and a six-point game).

UNLV, which had to replace all five starters from a year ago, used a rotation for most of this season that included five freshmen, one sophomore and two seniors. Freshman guard Rashad Vaughn, who is out of action after suffering a torn meniscus in his left knee on Feb. 10 vs. Fresno State, had led the team in scoring with an average of 17.8 ppg, which ranks second in the Mountain West and third in the country among freshmen. Sophomore forward Christian Wood has 14 double-doubles this year, which ranks 11th in the country, and has averages of 15.6 ppg (6th in MW), and team highs of 10.0 rpg (2nd in MW, 18th in the country) and 3.0 bpg (1st in MW, 11th in the country). Freshman forward Goodluck Okonoboh is second on the team in blocks with 2.8 per game (2nd in MW, 14th in the country, 2nd among all freshmen). Senior guard Cody Doolin leads the squad and MW with 3.9 apg and has an assist-to-turnover ratio of 3.1, which leads the conference and is 10th nationally. Freshman guard Patrick McCaw is second in the MW in assists per game (3.8) and sixth in assist-to-turnover ratio (2.1) during conference-only games.

As a team, the Runnin’ Rebels are third in the nation in total blocks (173), third in blocks per game (6.9 bpg), ninth in defensive rebounds per game (27.16) and 34th in field-goal percentage defense (39.1).

Wednesday night’s game will be televised on CBS Sports Network with Carter Blackburn and Pete Gillen calling the action. Jon Sandler and Robert Smith will handle the UNLV radio call, which may be heard live on ESPN Radio 1100 AM/100.9 FM in Las Vegas. All internet links along with live stats will be available at UNLVRebels.com.

GAME #26

 

Boise State (18-7, 8-4 Mountain West) 
at

UNLV (14-11, 5-7 Mountain West)

DATE: Wednesday, February 18, 2015
TIME: 8 p.m.
SITE: Tarkanian Court, Thomas & Mack Center (18,500)
TV: CBS Sports Network (Carter Blackburn, Pete Gillen)

RADIO: ESPN Radio 1100 AM/100.9 FM (Jon Sandler, Robert Smith)
AUDIO: UNLV Gameday App & UNLVRebels.com

STATS: Gametracker at UNLVRebels.com

TWITTER: @UNLVAthletics

Posted on

UNLV MEN’S BASKETBALL NEWS: Runnin’ Rebel Scarlet & Gray Showcase Set For Oct. 16

UNLV

RUNNIN’ REBEL SCARLET & GRAY SHOWCASE SET FOR OCT. 16

Free fan event to feature skills challenges, Scarlet & Gray Scrimmage, Legends game, autographs and more; Special season-ticket holder event also scheduled for earlier in the evening

The UNLV men’s basketball team will hold its annual free fan event on Thursday, Oct. 16, at 7 p.m. at the Thomas & Mack Center. All fans are invited to the Runnin’ Rebel Scarlet & Gray Showcase, which will include skills challenges, the Scarlet & Gray Scrimmage, Legends game, the opportunity to get autographs and more.

In addition, a special season-ticket holder event will take place earlier in the evening at Cox Pavilion. Season-ticket holders can expect to be sent information regarding that event in the near future.

“We are excited to begin the 2014-15 season and also for the opportunity to be in front of our fans again,” said head coach Dave Rice. “This is a very important event for our program and we know Runnin’ Rebel fans look forward to it each year. It is a great opportunity for our players to be in front of a crowd as we continue to prepare for games to begin in November.”

Rice is entering his fourth season at the helm of the Runnin’ Rebel program. He has led UNLV to 71 wins over his first three years, which ranks second all-time at UNLV only to Hall of Fame coach Jerry Tarkanian (73 wins in his first three seasons in Las Vegas).

Under Rice, UNLV has won at least 20 games all three seasons and has played in two NCAA Tournaments (including earning its highest seed in 22 years). In addition, his teams have recorded seven victories over ranked teams, including one over the nation’s No. 1-ranked squad (North Carolina). The Runnin’ Rebels recorded an overall mark of 20-13 last season and have a streak of 20 or more wins in each of the last eight years.

This year’s team welcomes back seven familiar faces and has added eight new players to the roster. The team’s 2014 recruiting class is ranked as the fifth-best in the country by Rivals.com, only behind Duke, Kentucky, Kansas and Arizona, and ahead of North Carolina, Louisville, UCLA, Georgetown and Florida.

A limited number of season tickets in the lower bowl of the Thomas & Mack Center for the 2014-15 UNLV men’s basketball season are on sale now. Seats are being offered on a first-come, first-served basis and may be purchased in person at the Thomas & Mack Center box office, by calling 702-739-FANS (3267) or online at UNLVtickets.com. Mini-plan tickets go on sale Oct. 16, while single-game tickets will be available via an online pre-sale Oct. 23.

Posted on

UNLV MEN’S BASKETBALL NEWS: Daquan Cook Suffers Knee Injury

UNLV

DAQUAN COOK SUFFERS KNEE INJURY

UNLV men’s basketball junior guard has torn ACL, will use 2014-15 season as redshirt year

UNLV men’s basketball junior Daquan Cook has suffered a torn right anterior cruciate ligament and will miss the upcoming season, head coach Dave Rice announced Wednesday.

Cook, a 6-foot-1-inch, 170-pound guard from Baltimore, Md., will use the 2014-15 season as a redshirt year and will have two years of eligibility remaining starting in 2015-16.

“We feel terrible for Daquan,” Rice said. “He is an important part of our program and will have our full support as he goes through this challenge.”

Cook has appeared in 53 games during his career as a Runnin’ Rebel. He played in 28 games last year as a sophomore, made two starts, and averaged just under nine minutes played per game.

Posted on

UNLV MEN’S BASKETBALL NEWS: Max Good Returns To Runnin’ Rebel Program As Special Assistant

UNLV

 

MAX GOOD RETURNS TO UNLV AS SPECIAL ASSISTANT

Former Runnin’ Rebel coach accepts non-coaching position with UNLV men’s basketball program

Max Good has been hired as Special Assistant to the Head Coach for the UNLV men’s basketball program, head coach Dave Rice announced Tuesday.

Good spent the last six seasons as head coach at Loyola Marymount, where he led the Lions to numerous firsts for the program since it appeared in the Elite Eight in 1990, including its first 20-win season and first postseason win. He was named the 2011-12 West Coast Conference Coach of the Year.

“We are very excited to have Coach Good back with the Runnin’ Rebels,” Rice said. “He brings a wealth of knowledge and experience that will be extremely valuable in many different areas of our program.”

In this newly created position at UNLV, Good will provide assistance to the Runnin’ Rebel coaching staff, helping to provide leadership and organization, and will contribute to the development of student-athletes. He will also be involved in helping the student-athletes in the program to understand the overall academic and athletic mission of the university, fostering academic success and contributing to their overall development with leadership and life skills. Although Good will be involved in many day-to-day program functions, this is a non-coaching position.

Good was a head coach at the NCAA level for 22 years. He coached eight seasons at Bryant College (2001-08) prior to joining LMU. He was also head coach at UNLV for one season (2000-01) and eight seasons at Eastern Kentucky (1981-89).

At Bryant, he inherited a program that was coming off four losing seasons. He led the Bulldogs to a new level as they set a school-record with 23 wins, earning the school’s first NCAA Tournament berth in 24 years. They advanced to the Sweet Sixteen, then went on to lead the team to 25 wins and a trip to the NCAA Division II Championship, falling in the title game.

Good’s impact on the game of basketball hasn’t just been at the college level. He was also the head coach at the New England prep school Maine Central Institute in Pittsfield, Maine, for 10 seasons (1990-00). He won 90.2 percent of his games and won five New England Prep School Athletic Conference Championships. He also coached three MCI teams to undefeated seasons and from 1989-92 the team won 79 straight games.

Good was also a NCAA Division I assistant coach for six seasons, including 1999-00 at UNLV. He graduated from Eastern Kentucky in 1969 and earned his master’s degree from his alma mater in 1970. He is a member of the New England Basketball Hall of Fame. He and his wife, Phyllis, reside in Henderson.

Posted on

UNLV MEN’S BASKETBALL NEWS: Lower Bowl Season Tickets On Sale Now

UNLV

 

LOWER BOWL RUNNIN’ REBEL SEASON TICKETS ON SALE NOW

Public may now purchase season tickets in downstairs locations for the 2014-15 UNLV men’s basketball season

2014-15 Runnin’ Rebel Schedule | Ticket Information

 A limited number of season tickets in the lower bowl of the Thomas & Mack Center for the 2014-15 UNLV men’s basketball season went on sale to the public on Monday.

Seats are being offered on a first-come, first-served basis and may be purchased in person at the Thomas & Mack Center box office, by calling 702-739-FANS (3267) or online at UNLVtickets.com. Supplies are limited and prices vary based on location with a priority seating donation required in addition to the ticket price. Lower bowl season tickets start at $605. Some lower bowl seats also require a major gift donation. There will be a limit of four new seats per account.

Downstairs areas available for purchase include Lower Bowl 6, Lower Bowl 7 and Lower Bowl 8, while upstairs areas Dugout 10, RAF (Rebel Athletic Fund) Balcony, Balcony and End Balcony are also for sale. Fans interested in Lower Bowl 1 through Lower Bowl 5 will need to call the RAF Office at 702-895-1533. Click here for a map showing locations of described areas. To view available seating in person, please call the RAF office to set up an appointment.

UNLV men’s basketball head coach Dave Rice is entering his fourth season at the helm of the Runnin’ Rebel program. He has led UNLV to 71 wins over his first three years, which ranks second all-time at UNLV only to Hall of Fame coach Jerry Tarkanian (73 wins in his first three seasons in Las Vegas).

Under Rice, UNLV has won at least 20 games all three seasons and has played in two NCAA Tournaments (including earning its highest seed in 22 years). In addition, his teams have recorded seven victories over ranked teams, including one over the nation’s No. 1-ranked squad (North Carolina in 2011).

The Runnin’ Rebels recorded an overall mark of 20-13 last season and have a streak of 20 or more wins in each of the last eight years.

This year’s team welcomes eight new players to the 2014-15 roster. The 2014 recruiting class has been ranked as the fourth-best in the country by Rivals.com, only behind Duke, Kentucky and Arizona, and ahead of North Carolina, Louisville, Kansas, UCLA, Georgetown and Maryland.

Posted on

UNLV MEN’S BASKETBALL NEWS: Khem Birch Will Declare For NBA Draft

UNLV

 

UNLV’S KHEM BIRCH WILL DECLARE FOR NBA DRAFT

Runnin’ Rebel junior forward was two-time MW Defensive Player of the Year and finished second in the nation in blocks this season

UNLV men’s basketball junior forward Khem Birch will forgo his senior season and declare for the 2014 NBA Draft, head coach Dave Rice said Thursday.

Birch averaged a double-double with 11.5 points and 10.2 rebounds per game, and led the Mountain West and was second in the nation in blocks with 3.8 per contest during the 2013-14 season. His total of 124 blocks this year set the school’s all-time seasonal record by 12 and he finished his Runnin’ Rebel career (192) two blocks shy of the UNLV all-time career mark of 194. He also had 17 double-doubles this season, which ranked eighth in the country.

“I loved playing here at UNLV for Coach Rice and with my teammates,” Birch said. “After talking at length with my family, I have decided to pursue my professional career. It was a tough decision, one that I thought about for a very long time. I will finish my classes this semester and I will be a Runnin’ Rebel for life.”

Birch shot 51.0 percent (125-for-245) from the field and 69.3 percent (131-for-189) from the free-throw line this season. He was second on the team in scoring and second in rebounding. In his two seasons as a Runnin’ Rebel he was twice named the MW’s Defensive Player of the Year and was a second-team all-conference selection this year after being named honorable mention as a sophomore.

“I loved coaching Khem for the last two years,” Rice said. “He is a hard worker and a gifted player. We appreciate all of his contributions to UNLV and support him 100 percent in this decision. We wish him great success as a professional.”

Birch, originally from Montreal, Quebec, transferred to UNLV from Pittsburgh during the 2011-12 season. He became eligible to play for the Runnin’ Rebels after the Fall 2012 semester after sitting out two semesters at UNLV.

Birch is the second Runnin’ Rebel to declare for the NBA Draft this year, as junior forward Roscoe Smith announced his intentions on April 4.

Posted on

UNLV MEN’S BASKETBALL NEWS: Roscoe Smith Out For Wednesday’s Game

UNLV

 

ROSCOE SMITH OUT FOR WEDNESDAY’S GAME

Junior forward has concussion, will be evaluated on a day-to-day basis

 

UNLV junior forward Roscoe Smith was evaluated by the Runnin’ Rebel team physician in Las Vegas on Sunday.

“Roscoe was evaluated today and was determined to have a concussion,” UNLV men’s basketball head coach Dave Rice said. “He will be evaluated on a day-to-day basis, but he will miss Wednesday’s game against San Diego State.”

Smith, who transferred to UNLV from Connecticut following the 2011-12 season, is in his first season playing for the Runnin’ Rebels (after sitting out the 2012-13 year as a redshirt). He is averaging a double-double this season with 11.0 points and 11.0 rebounds per game. He has a team-leading 15 double-doubles, which ranked fifth in the country heading into this past weekend. He has started all 29 of UNLV’s games this year and leads the team in field-goal percentage at .525.

UNLV will host San Diego State on Wednesday, March 5, at 8:05 p.m. at the Thomas & Mack Center in its regular-season home finale. It will be Senior Night and also a White Out.

No status update on Smith’s condition will be provided until Tuesday afternoon.

Posted on

UNLV MEN’S BASKETBALL NEWS: Jamal Aytes Decides To Transfer

UNLV

 

JAMAL AYTES DECIDES TO TRANSFER

Freshman forward leaving UNLV men’s basketball program

 UNLV freshman forward Jamal Aytes has decided to leave the Runnin’ Rebel program, head coach Dave Rice said Wednesday.

“I have enjoyed my time at UNLV, but transferring gives me a better opportunity for playing time sooner in my career,” Aytes said.

Aytes has appeared in four of UNLV’s seven games this season, scoring a total of 11 points (2.8 ppg) with three rebounds (0.8 rpg). He has averaged 9.3 minutes played per game.

“We thank Jamal for his contributions and wish him the best in the future,” Rice said.

Aytes was a late addition to the Runnin’ Rebel program, signing with UNLV late in the summer. He is from San Diego, Calif., and attended JSerra Catholic High School.

In November, UNLV received signed national letters of intent from two top recruits in Dwayne Morgan and Goodluck Okonoboh. Morgan is a 6-foot-7-inch, 215-pound forward from Baltimore, Md., and Okonoboh is a 6-foot-9-inch, 215-pound center from Woburn, Mass. (Boston area). They will both enroll at UNLV next fall as freshmen.

Morgan is a five-star prospect that has been rated No. 15 overall in the class of 2014 by Rivals.com. In the ESPN 100 rankings he is 34th overall and ninth at his position, while Scout.com has him seventh in the country at the small forward spot.

Okonoboh is rated as the No. 4 center in his class in the ESPN 100 rankings. ESPN also lists him at No. 21 overall, while Rivals.com has him as the No. 32 overall player in the nation. Scout.com has him ranked as the No. 5 center in the country. He chose the Runnin’ Rebels over Duke, Florida, Indiana and Ohio State.

Posted on

UNLV MEN’S BASKETBALL NEWS: Olekaibe Eligible To Play Immediately

UNLV

 

OLEKAIBE ELIGIBLE TO PLAY IMMEDIATELY

Mountain West grants relief of intra-conference transfer rule to Runnin’ Rebel senior guard

UNLV has received notification that the Mountain West Conference has granted relief of the penalties associated with its intra-conference transfer rule, making Runnin’ Rebel senior guard Kevin Olekaibe eligible to play in games immediately, including tonight’s exhibition vs. Adams State at the Thomas & Mack Center at 7 p.m.

UNLV learned on Monday that the NCAA approved a waiver granting Olekaibe relief from the mandatory one-year residency requirement.

“We are pleased for Kevin and his family that he will be able to play this year,” UNLV men’s basketball head coach Dave Rice said. “We also would like to thank Fresno State Athletics and Coach Rodney Terry for their support of Kevin and his family through this process.

“In addition, we are grateful to Eric Toliver, our associate athletics director for compliance, for his hard work on this waiver.”

Olekaibe transfered to UNLV from Fresno State, where he played for three years and scored a total of 1,169 career points. Last season he played in all 30 games for the Bulldogs, with 24 starts and averages of 8.3 points, 2.1 rebounds, 1.3 assists and 1.1 steals per game.

Posted on

UNLV WOMEN’S BASKETBALL NEWS: Lady Rebels Cruise Past Concordia 81-43 In Exhibition Action

UNLV

 

UNLV WOMEN’S BASKETBALL FLIES PAST CONCORDIA 81-43

Lady Rebels finish the night with 23 assists on 30 made field goals

 In its only exhibition contest of the season, the UNLV women’s basketball team jumped out to a big first half advantage and led comfortably for the rest of the night on the way to an 81-43 victory over Concordia on Monday night from the Cox Pavilion.

Five players scored in double-figures for the Lady Rebels, who played all 13 players on the active roster in the first half, and 11 finished in the scoring column. Leading the way was senior point guard Mia Bell, as in her first action since the 2011-12 season she led all scorers with 14 points. Alana Cesarz, fully recovered from this past January’s ACL injury, was next with 13 points and eight rebounds in 25 minutes of action. Amie Callaway came off the bench to post 11 points, while Réjane Vérin and Jehiah Cook both added 10 each.

UNLV’s defense was impressive throughout the night, holding the Eagles to just 26.9% shooting (14-of-52), while also holding a 57-37 edge on the boards. The Lady Rebels notched 19 steals in the game, leading to a 33-14 edge on points off turnovers. On the offensive side, the Lady Rebels shot 43.5% (30-of-69) from the floor, 36.4% (4-of-11) from three-point range, and 60.7% (17-of-28) at the charity stripe.

“I thought it was a great exhibition for us tonight,” said UNLV head coach Kathy Olivier. “It was nice to be able to play everyone, and for them to play a lot of minutes as well. We are doing some good things, but we still have some things to improve on, and we’ll be working on that before our opener on Friday.”

The outcome was never in doubt, as the Lady Rebels jumped out to an 8-0 lead. After Concordia close to within 8-4 on a pair of baskets, four straight Callaway points started an 8-0 UNLV spurt. A Cook jumper at 12:24 made the score 16-4. The closest Concordia came the rest of the way was 16-9 at the 9:48 mark. UNLV blew open the game with a 17-3 run at the end of the first half, and would take a 38-15 edge into halftime.

Following a Concordia basket to open the second half, UNLV ran off a 15-6 run. Four straight points from Vérin would give UNLV a 53-23 lead at the 12:55 mark, and the Lady Rebels slowly increased the lead over the rest of the contest to come away with the 38-point win.

UNLV opens the regular season on Friday when it hosts Santa Clara 4:30 pm in the Thomas & Mack Center, part of a double-header with the Runnin’ Rebels, who will play Portland State at 7:30 pm.

Posted on

UNLV MEN’S BASKETBALL NEWS: Savon Goodman Leaves Runnin’ Rebel Program

UNLV

 

SAVON GOODMAN LEAVES RUNNIN’ REBEL PROGRAM

Sophomore forward expresses his appreciation for the support he had at UNLV

UNLV sophomore forward Savon Goodman has decided to leave the Runnin’ Rebel program, head coach Dave Rice said Friday.

“I have enjoyed my time at UNLV and am thankful for the support of the fans, my teammates and coaches since I have been here,” Goodman said. “However, I have felt a lot of pressure the last few months. I feel it is best for me to leave the program at this time. Even though I am from Philadelphia, I will always think of Las Vegas as another home.”

As a freshman in 2012-13, Goodman appeared in 27 games for the Runnin’ Rebels, playing in just over nine minutes per contest. He averaged 3.6 points and 2.4 rebounds per game, while shooting 46.3 percent from the field.

“I respect Savon’s decision and will always be here to support him,” Rice said. “I wish him all the best.”

Goodman came to UNLV from Constitution High School in Philadelphia.

Posted on

UNLV MEN’S BASKETBALL NEWS: Runnin’ Rebel Single Game Tickets On Sale Now

UNLV

RUNNIN’ REBEL SINGLE GAME TICKETS ON SALE NOW

Mini-plans and packages also available; Select-A-Seat event to be held Thursday from 6-7 p.m. prior to Scarlet/Gray Showcase

Single game tickets for all 20 of the 2013-14 UNLV men’s basketball games at the Thomas & Mack Center are on sale now.

Tickets may be purchased by phone at 702-739-FANS (3267), in person at the Thomas & Mack Center box office and online at UNLVTickets.com. Once again this season, fans will save money if they purchase tickets prior to the day of the game. All pricing information may be found here.

In addition to single game tickets, a four-game mini-plan is available for purchase as well as a six-game conference plan. There is also a football/basketball November package on sale.

A limited number of season tickets in the lower bowl are still available and will be marked this Thursday from 6-7 p.m., as a Select-A-Seat event will be held prior to the Scarlet/Gray Showcase, which is a free fan event scheduled to begin at 7:30 p.m.

Available lower bowl tickets are limited and prices vary based on location with a priority seating donation required in addition to the ticket price. For more information on purchasing season tickets in the lower plaza level, contact the Rebel Athletic Fund at 702-895-1533.

The Runnin’ Rebels will play host to Dixie State and Adams State in exhibition games on Nov. 1 and Nov. 5, respectively with tickets starting at $10. Tickets for Opening Night vs. Portland State on Friday, Nov. 8, start as low as $15. Season tickets start as low as $150.

The Runnin’ Rebels played in their fourth straight NCAA Tournament last season and their sixth in the last seven years. Only 12 programs nationally have matched that and it is tops in the MW over that span.

UNLV head coach Dave Rice led the Runnin’ Rebels to another 25-win season in 2012-13. The 51 wins by the program over the last two seasons is the most ever by a UNLV coach after his first two years leading the program (Hall of Famer Jerry Tarkanian had 44 wins in his first two years).

UNLV has been among the nation’s top 25 in home attendance in each of the last five seasons, coming in at No. 1 in the MW, No. 1 on the West Coast (also for five straight years) and 14th nationally in 2012-13.

UNLV, which won four games over ranked teams last year and ranked in the top-10 nationally in assists, rebounding and blocks, returns two starters and five players overall from last year. Ten new players are on the 2013-14 roster, including three that used their redshirt year while practicing with the team in 2012-13.

Posted on

UNLV MEN’S BASKETBALL NEWS: Lower Bowl Season Tickets Go On Sale Monday

UNLV

LOWER BOWL RUNNIN’ REBEL SEASON TICKETS GO ON SALE MONDAY

Public may purchase season tickets in downstairs locations for the 2013-14 UNLV men’s basketball season starting at 10 a.m. on Aug. 12

A limited number of season tickets in the lower bowl of the Thomas & Mack Center for the 2013-14 UNLV men’s basketball season will go on sale to the public on Monday, Aug. 12, at 10 a.m.

Seats will be offered on a first-come, first-served basis and may be purchased in person at the Thomas & Mack Center box office, by calling 702-739-FANS (3267) or online at UNLVtickets.com. Supplies are limited and prices vary based on location with a priority seating donation required in addition to the ticket price.

Downstairs areas available for purchase include Lower Bowl 4 – Lower Bowl 8, while upstairs areas Dugout 10, RAF Balcony, Balcony and End Balcony are also for sale. Lower Bowl 1, Lower Bowl 3 and Dugout 9 areas are sold out. Fans interested in Lower Bowl 2 and purple double letter seats will need to call the Rebel Athletic Fund (RAF) Office at 702-895-1533. Click here for a map showing locations of described areas.

The Runnin’ Rebels played in their fourth straight NCAA Tournament this past season and their sixth in the last seven years. Only 12 programs nationally have matched that and it is tops in the Mountain West over that span.

Head Coach Dave Rice led UNLV to another 25-win season in 2012-13 and the 51 wins by the program over the last two seasons is the most ever by a UNLV coach after his first two years leading the program (Jerry Tarkanian had 44 wins in his first two years).

The 2012-13 season saw the largest Thomas & Mack Center crowds in 22 years, with an average of 15,729 over 18 regular-season home games being the highest since the 1990-91 season.

UNLV, which won four games over ranked teams last year and ranked in the top-10 nationally in assists, rebounding and blocks, returns two starters and six players overall from last season. Nine new players are on the 2013-14 roster, including three that used their redshirt year while practicing with the team in 2012-13.