UNLV’s claim that their go-to man is always the open man rang absolutely true on Saturday night, powering the Runnin’ Rebels to an 88-79 victory over Samford at the Thomas & Mack Center and pushing them to a flawless 2-0 start. This isn’t just a couple of wins, it’s a statement about a selfless mindset that’s already paying off.
The Collective Attack is Rolling
When five players hit double figures, you know you’ve got something special, and that’s exactly what UNLV did. Sophomore Cam Miles exploded for a career-high 20 points, absolutely lighting it up with 4-for-9 from deep and a perfect 8-for-8 from the free-throw line. We’re talking clutch here, with Miles burying a 28-foot triple late in the second half that basically put Samford away. But it wasn’t just him: Tyrin Jones was everywhere, stacking up 17 points, five boards, six blocks, and two steals, even hitting seven of his 10 charity stripe attempts. And last game’s hero, Sebastian Mack, still poured in 17 points on efficient 7-for-13 shooting. This team is built to play together, and it’s crystal clear. Miles himself gave props, saying, “I have to give it all to my teammates…They welcomed me in as a brother. The chemistry that we have is amazing. They give me confidence and energy. They’re always talking to me, making sure I’m up.” That kind of team unity is what separates good teams from great ones, and it finally helped UNLV pull away from a tough Samford squad late in the game. Jones grabbed a crucial offensive board, kicked it out to Miles for a three, then sealed it with free throws and a strong finish, making it 85-78 with just over three minutes left.
Pastner’s Blueprint for Victory
Head Coach Josh Pastner was buzzing after the game, and for good reason. He’s hyped about the work his team has put in for these first two wins, recognizing that both opponents were legit. He even pointed out the growing parity in college basketball, which just makes these early wins even more impressive. Pastner broke down his three keys to the Samford victory: first, guarding the three-point line, especially against a shooting team like the Bulldogs. UNLV held Samford to a measly 5-for-20 from deep, a huge swing when Samford usually takes nearly half its shots from downtown. Second, free throws. UNLV cashed in a stellar 25 of 32 attempts, while Samford got to the line way less often, hitting 14 of 19. That discipline on defense makes a difference. And third? Offensive rebounding. The Rebels absolutely crashed the glass, dominating the Bulldogs 38-28 on the boards, with 11 crucial offensive rebounds providing a decisive edge. These guys aren’t just talented, they’re gritty, and they’ve already shown they can grind out tough wins.
What’s Next for the Runnin’ Rebels
The Rebels are feeling good about their start, and they should be. They’re a talent-packed team that’s already proven it can handle the pressure against opponents who flat-out refuse to get blown out. But the biggest test is still ahead. UNLV will host Stanford (who is also 2-0) this Friday. That’s gonna be a real battle, and it’ll show us exactly how much better this team has gotten in just two games. You do not want to miss this one.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.…