Bryce Hamilton helps UNLV pull away from New Mexico

“It was probably one of the uglier college basketball games, if not the ugliest, I’ve ever been apart of,” he said. “But we’re fortunate to be on the right side of that game.”

UNLV outlasted New Mexico in the second game of their two-game set despite shooting 36.7 percent from the field. Rebels ball handlers freely penetrated the paint during the first game Saturday — a 77-54 victory. But the Lobos intensified their ball pressure and clogged the lane, resulting in a diet of contested jumpers and awkward layup attempts.

But UNLV has Bryce Hamilton and New Mexico doesn’t, and he was the difference — scoring eight straight points late in the second half to help the Rebels pull away.

“At this point of the year, in conference play, wins are wins,” Otzelberger said. “So we’ll take it.”

Now for the takeaways.

Give the ball to Bryce

Hamilton showcased his all-conference talent late in the second half, converting four consecutive field goals with the game on the line. He followed his own miss with an offense rebound and a putback and buried a pair of mid-range jumpers. He also salvaged a clunky possession with a floater to beat the shot clock with 1:49 to play.

Hamilton finished with a game-high 14 points and five rebounds before rolling his ankle and sitting out the final minute.

“When it comes to winning time, he was there. He was present,” said senior big man Mbacke Diong. “At the end of the game. He’s always there offensively to show up.”

An unselfish senior

Diong scored a career-high 20 points Saturday during UNLV’s first victory over New Mexico, shooting 9 of 11 from the field. But he attempted only one shot Monday and finished with six points and 10 rebounds.

Otzelberger said the Rebels need to do a better job of feeding Mbacke in favorable spots on the floor. But Diong downplayed his lack of offensive opportunities, noting that he cares about “finding any way to win.”

A physical finale

Otzelberger took note of the more physical style of play and believes it’ll be prevalent throughout the remainder of the conference slate during the second game of the two-game sets that Mountain West teams are playing.

Points in the paint — and points in general — were at a premium. The Lobos scored 16 points in the paint, while the Rebels finished with 22.

“We’ve just got to understand what our opponents are trying to do and how we can be more effective,” Otzelberger said.

Contact reporter Sam Gordon at sgordon@reviewjournal.com. Follow @BySamGordon on Twitter.