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Three takeaways from the Runnin’ Rebels’ 80-58 loss

Three takeaways from the Runnin’ Rebels’ 80-58 loss

The UNLV Runnin’ Rebels are now 4-2 after suffering an 80-58 loss to No. 25 Mississippi State (6-0) in the Arizona Tip-Off Tournament. This was the third meeting between the two teams. UNLV still leads the series 2-1.

Lack of staff

The Runnin’ Rebels have already been without guard Jaden Henley, forward Rob Whaley Jr. and guard Jace Whiting due to injuries. Jeremiah Cherry left early in the second half with a back injury. He managed two blocks, made 4 of 5 from the floor and scored 8 points. The Runnin’ Rebels had to rely on freshman forward Jacob Bannarbie, guard Brooklyn Hicks and forward Jalen Hill to handle the team’s rebounding duties. They all grabbed five rebounds.

Surpassed and overtaken

Mississippi State outscored the Runnin’ Rebels for most of the game. Mississippi State led 22-17 with 12 minutes left in the first half. At halftime the Bulldogs were ahead 45-32. Their bench outscored the Runnin’ Rebels 48-13. KeShawn Murphy led the Bulldogs with a double-double. He scored 14 points and grabbed 13 rebounds. Although Mississippi State recorded 10 turnovers, they still managed to outscore the Runnin’ Rebels 30-3 on second chances. UNLV was also outrebounded by the Bulldogs 46-29. The Runnin’ Rebels shot 56% from the field in the first half, but their performance faltered in the second half, hitting just 7 of 23 goals.

Regrouping before Northwestern

In the post-match press conference, coach Kevin Kruger said: “But the fun has to be preparing now and figuring out how we’re going to play tomorrow against another really good, really physical team and we’re going to start doing that as quickly as we can. “We’re going back to the hotel.”

Next:

The Runnin’ Rebels will face the Northwestern Wildcats (5-2) for third place in the Arizona Tip-Off on Friday, November 29thTh5:00 p.m. MST/4:00 p.m. PST at Mullett Arena.

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