UNLV Defeats Fullerton, 69-53

Cal State Fullerton, which surprised the Nevada Las Vegas Rebels at Las Vegas in December with a two-point victory, couldn’t duplicate that success on its home court Saturday night.

UNLV dominated rebounding and shot 49% from the field on its way to 69-53 victory.

The Titans, 6-13 overall and 4-7 in the Big West, shot only 25.5% from the field, and the 53 points were a season scoring low.

“We’re in a real struggle right now offensively,” Fullerton Coach Bob Hawking said. “I guess that’s an understatement.”

The Rebels (8-9, 5-6) played without their top scorer, center Kebu Stewart, and for most of the game were also without guard Reggie Manuel. Stewart, who scored only three points in a loss at UC Irvine Thursday, complained of problems with his knees and was sent home to be checked by the team physician. Manuel went down hard when he was fouled on a driving layup early in the first half and was carried off the floor. He is expected to be out about 10 days with a severe ankle sprain.

UNLV’s Damian Smith had 19 points, and freshman Chris Dade led the Titans with 14.