UNLV’s first game of their three-game exhibition tour in Canada got off to the way the Rebels wanted.
The Rebels lost to the University of British Columbia 79-72 Tuesday night at the War Memorial Gymnasium in Vancouver, British Columbia.
“We had good periods where we played very well,” said UNLV coach Kevin Kruger. “But the stretches where we hadn’t really come back to bite us.”
UNLV tied the game 60-60 late in the third quarter on Isaiah Cottrell’s 3-point shot. UBC then went on an 11-2 streak to take its biggest lead, 71-62, early in the fourth quarter.
With about a minute to play, the Rebels were leading the ball 75-72. But Justin Webster missed an open 3-pointer from the corner.
The Rebels’ biggest lead was in the second quarter, 22-14. Three straight 3-pointers from UBC to start the third quarter helped the Thunderbirds take their first lead.
“(UBC) had some tough shots, and that boosted their confidence,” Kruger said.
Duquesne transfer Jackie Johnson led the Rebels with 16 points. He provided a much-needed spark for the Rebels, using his speed to get to the basket to get layups.
“He came in aggressively and we needed him,” Kruger said. “We need him to be aggressive, make plays and shoot.”
The Rebels started four guards, with returners Jordan McCabe, Keshon Gilbert and Webster joining Mississippi transfer Luis Rodriguez in the backcourt and David Muoka up front.
The whole formation was replaced a few minutes after the start of the match. All 10 eligible players entered the game.
“We’re going to figure out what the guys are going to do and give to the team,” Kruger said. “They are all going to have the opportunity to impact the game.”
Webster scored 12 and Rodriguez 11. James Woods led the Thunderbirds with 33 points, and forward Sukhman Sandhu scored 23.
UNLV was due to land in Vancouver on Monday afternoon, but their flight was delayed nearly 8 p.m. and they did not arrive in Canada until 2 p.m. Tuesday. Kruger said he didn’t think travel issues affected the outcome.
The Rebels will face the University of Calgary on Wednesday.
“It’s a great learning opportunity that we need to be consistent,” Kruger said. “We have to play hard for 40 minutes.”
Contact Alex Wright at [email protected]. Follow @AlexWright1028 on Twitter.