I really have to admire those reporters who can be completely unbiased in their reporting. I know 99.9 percent of the media has their favorite team in sports and only the best seem to be able to pull it off in reporting on their team that they can remain objective, reports the facts, point out the mistakes and criticism the team, it's players and their coaches.
When it comes to the UNLV Runnin'Rebels, I am a hopeless fan. I revel in their victories while suffering in their defeats. When they win I have them in the final four and when they lose I make all sorts of justification why they didn't win.
Take last night's Rebel loss to the New Mexico Lobo's a team that is definitely in contention for a high seed in the NCAA's. After starting the conference season with two quick losses including one to these same Runnin' Rebels at "The Pit" where only one Mountain Conference Team has been victorious there in the last 25 games.
New Mexico now sits alone at the top of the Mountain West Conference standings with an 8-2 record along with being 21-3 overall. They have now beat five ranked teams this year.
Revenge can be a powerful motivator for sure and the Lobo's virtually stunned the 18,000 fans in the sold out Thomas and Mack Arena. They made there first five three point attempts and moved out to a 40-28 halftime lead.
They built the lead to 18 points with just over 10 minutes left in the game. At the point in the game I honestly said to myself "geez I really don't want to write about this tomorrow morning". I was still coming off the best college basketball game I have ever attended when UNLV bounced BYU off it's 12th ranked perch.
Then the Rebels caught fire as Oscar Bellfield, Tre'Von Willis, Kendall Wallace and Matt Shaw went on a 20-4 run to make a game out if it for the final three minutes. The crowd very quiet most of the way nearly raised the roof.
Enormous credit to Steve Allford and his Lobo's. They withheld the firestorm and regained their composure to finally in those last three minutes pull away for the final 10 point victory.
The won the game from behind the arc, the foul line and their overwhelming advantage on the boards. The Rebels put three players in double figures with Oscar Bellfield leading the way with 15 points. Tre'Von Willis kicked in 13 while Matt Shaw added 12.
I will not back down off this one loss for the Rebels who are now 19-5 overall and 7-3 in conference play. Unfortunately their next game is no easier as the visit San Diego State on Saturday Night. This game becomes a must win for the Rebels or they will then see their chances to make it to the big dance be based on their performance in the Mountain West Conference tournament.
Lets hope the Rebels can continue their winning ways on the road as they are 7-1 this year.
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