Busting Brackets
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UNLV Basketball: Takeaways from upset win over unbeaten San Diego State

By Jason Burgess

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - DECEMBER 01: UNLV Rebels mascot Hey Reb spins a basketball on his finger before the team's game against the Cincinnati Bearcats at the Thomas & Mack Center on December 01, 2018 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Bearcats defeated the Rebels 65-61. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - DECEMBER 01: UNLV Rebels mascot Hey Reb spins a basketball on his finger before the team's game against the Cincinnati Bearcats at the Thomas & Mack Center on December 01, 2018 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Bearcats defeated the Rebels 65-61. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images) /
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SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 22: Matt Mitchell #11 of the San Diego State Aztecs shoots the ball in the first half against Cheikh Coleman #34 of the UNLV Runnin’ Rebels (Photo by Kent Horner/Getty Images)
SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 22: Matt Mitchell #11 of the San Diego State Aztecs shoots the ball in the first half against Cheikh Coleman #34 of the UNLV Runnin’ Rebels (Photo by Kent Horner/Getty Images) /

This was one of UNLV’s best defensive efforts of the year

A big reason the Runnin’ Rebels have struggled to win games is that they haven’t been a strong defensive team this season. Coming into this one, they have given up just over 70 points per game, while scoring 71.9. But, on the road in perhaps the most hostile arena in the conference, the Rebels had arguably their best defensive effort on the year, holding a team that averages nearly 76 points per game to just 63.

Open shots were a rarity for San Diego State in this one, the Rebels did their best to keep the transition opportunities of the Aztecs to a minimum, and when they did get out and run UNLV was able to get back and force the Aztecs to run a half-court offense. UNLV’s defense was strong, with all five guys moving their feet, helping and hedging making passing lanes very difficult for San Diego State.

As a result, a team that shoots nearly 48% from the field and 39% from three-point land were held to 39% and 29.6% respectively in those categories in this game. As good as UNLV’s offense was in the first half, their defense was consistent all game long and it was the biggest key to this win.