Rebels relish third try

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Except for a mid-February slump, UNLV’s basketball season has been as consistent as coach Lon Kruger’s demeanor, which is rooted in positive reinforcement.

Twenty-four hours before his team’s postseason opener, Kruger was predictably optimistic.

"A lot of guys are playing with a lot of confidence, and that’s always a good thing this time of year," he said.

But now arriving is a reminder of the Rebels’ lowest point — that mid-February black eye brought on by a three-game losing streak against New Mexico, San Diego State and Utah.

UNLV has won its past four games to ease most of the disappointment. Next up is an opportunity for redemption.

The third-seeded Rebels (23-7) get their third chance to beat the sixth-seeded Utes (14-16) at 8:30 p.m. today in the Mountain West Conference Tournament quarterfinals at the Thomas & Mack Center.

Utah’s regular-season series sweep, which UNLV junior guard Tre’Von Willis called "embarrassing," sets the stage.

"We want to go out there and put on a good show," Willis said. "The first two games are behind us. We’re definitely going to try to bring our ‘A’ game."

Carlon Brown, the Utes’ junior guard and leading scorer, insinuated the Rebels showed up with something similar to a "C" effort in Utah’s 66-61 victory on Feb. 17 at Salt Lake City.

"I expected more from them," Brown said after that game, responding to a question about UNLV’s lackluster first-half performance and overall absence of urgency.

"It doesn’t really matter to me what he said," Willis said Wednesday.

Kruger shrugged it off, saying, "I respect Carlon’s opinion. We have to play better."

With the Rebels’ NCAA Tournament hopes on the line, Utah coach Jim Boylen said it’s no mystery what his team will be up against.

"I do think we’re going to get their best shot," Boylen said. "I know they’ll be ready to play. I think we’ll get their best defensive effort. I’m hoping we’re going to give them our best shot."

Boylen’s biggest concerns are ankle injuries to 7-foot-3-inch sophomore David Foster and 6-11 senior forward Kim Tillie. Both have been limited in practices this week.

"I don’t know if Foster and Tillie will play. I’m hoping to have my team full strength," Boylen said. "Foster seems to be doing OK. I will not take a chance on him unless he’s feeling really good. He’s a big part of what we’re building.

"I do think our defense has been very solid in both games, and obviously Foster has been a big part of that, so we’re hoping he’s going to be able to play."

Foster had 13 points and six blocked shots in Utah’s 73-69 victory at UNLV on Jan. 16.

"We’re going to prepare like Foster’s going to play, and Tillie’s going to play," Willis said. "But if they don’t, I won’t feel sorry for them."

Kruger is dealing with an injury issue, too. Junior guard Derrick Jasper, out since Jan. 26 with a sprained medial collateral ligament in his left knee, has practiced this week. But Kruger said Jasper will play "not a lot of minutes, if at all."

Foster and guards Marshall Henderson and Luka Drca boosted the Utes in both games this season. Boylen said much of his defensive game plan will focus on squelching Chace Stanback, Kendall Wallace and the Rebels’ secondary scorers.

But, if recent series history is an accurate indicator, Brown and Willis will be the key figures.

Brown shot 13-for-24 from the field and totaled 34 points in Utah’s two victories.

Willis scored 27 and 32 points, shooting 18-for-35 from the field and 20-for-25 on free throws, in UNLV’s two losses.

"I definitely look at myself as a playmaker," Willis said, "so I’m looking to lead this team as far as we can go."

Contact reporter Matt Youmans at myoumans@reviewjournal.com or 702-387-2907.