Prolific scorer to test Rebels

Who is Lester Hudson? Ask that question to someone who follows college basketball, and the most likely response would be a blank stare or a bad guess.

“Nobody really knew who I was,” Hudson said, “but they’re getting to know me now.”

UNLV junior guard Wink Adams learned about Hudson for the first time Friday.

“I had never heard of him, but he’s averaging 27 points a game, so I’m sure we’ll hear a lot more about him throughout the season,” Adams said.

Hudson, who averages 26.7 points per game, to be exact, is a junior guard for Tennessee-Martin, and he will be doing plenty of shooting today at the Thomas & Mack Center.

The Rebels (7-3) host the Skyhawks (5-6) of the Ohio Valley Conference at 1 p.m. in a game that could be more entertaining than it is competitive.

UNLV, coming off a 52-49 loss to Arizona on Wednesday, is a 20-point favorite against Tennessee-Martin. But the unknown Hudson said the underdog is motivated.

“I love to play the big schools,” Hudson said. “It shows that I can compete with them.

“Most teams can’t run and gun with us.”

In the Skyhawks’ season opener at Memphis, Hudson introduced himself with a 35-point, 10-rebound performance in a 102-71 loss. But he was just getting warmed up.

A week later against Central Baptist College, the 6-foot-3-inch Hudson played 31 minutes and recorded 25 points, 12 rebounds, 10 assists and 10 steals in a 116-74 victory.

After research by NCAA statisticians, Hudson’s quadruple-double was determined to be the first in men’s Division I history. Hudson doesn’t care that it came against an NAIA opponent.

“A quadruple-double is good against anybody you play,” Hudson said. “I can do everything. I’ve been getting a lot more attention.”

Hudson has the attention of Adams, who will defend him today, and Rebels coach Lon Kruger.

“He’s a really good player. About any way you want to score, he can do it,” Kruger said.

Hudson sat out last season to get his academics in order after transferring from Southwest Tennessee Community College. He’s shooting 48.6 percent from the field, including 45-for-109 from 3-point range. He has scored more than 30 points in five games.

“It’s going to take a lot to stop him,” Adams said. “I know he’s going to be real impressive to watch and play against, so we enjoy the challenge.”

Adams had team highs of 19 points and eight rebounds in the loss to Arizona, and he said getting more players involved will be UNLV’s focus.

The Rebels made only seven field goals in the second half, had no second-chance points in the game and got just two points from their reserves.

“We had an opportunity to win, and we’re disappointed, but this group has shown an ability to get better each game,” Kruger said.

Sophomore center Matt Shaw, who has started seven games, came off the bench Wednesday and was scoreless in six minutes. Kruger said Shaw’s playing time has decreased for “no particular reason” and he will be playing more.

Kruger also said reserves Marcus Lawrence, Lamar Roberson and Mareceo Rutledge are practicing well and will see more minutes.

Freshman guard Troy Cage, fully recovered from left knee surgery, is expected to make his career debut today. Cage played the role of the Skyhawks’ Hudson in Friday’s practice.

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