The UNLV Runnin’ Rebels cruised to a commanding 77-58 win over Air Force at Clune Arena on Tuesday afternoon, improving to 2-0 in Mountain West play.
Julian Rishwain led the way for UNLV with 16 points, including an impressive 4-of-7 from beyond the arc. Jaden Henley added 14 points in just 22 minutes, while Jeremiah Cherry chipped in 13. Jailen Bedford came off the bench to round out the Rebels’ double-digit scorers with 11 points and six rebounds.
UNLV’s defense was anchored by Jalen Hill, who recorded nine rebounds and two steals, helping to stifle Air Force’s offensive rhythm. Sophomore Brooklyn Hicks only contributed six points and four rebounds, but his defensive intensity and two steals ignited a second-half surge that buried the Falcons.
The Rebels set the tone early, shooting 6-of-9 from deep in the first half to build a 12-point halftime lead. They kept up the pressure after the break, opening the second half with a blistering 6-for-7 run to stretch their lead to 26 points.
UNLV finished the game shooting a red-hot 57% from the field and 56% from three, while holding Air Force to just 33% shooting overall and 23% from deep.
Ethan Taylor led the Falcons with 14 points and eight assists, but Air Force never found its rhythm, shooting just 4-of-19 from deep in the first half.
With the win, UNLV moves into fourth place in the Mountain West standings, trailing undefeated Utah State, New Mexico, and Boise State.
The Rebels will aim to remain unbeaten in conference play when they host San Jose State on Saturday at 3 p.m. A win would further solidify their position before traveling to Boise to face the Broncos in a crucial conference matchup.