UNLV snapped its five-game losing streak behind Dedan Thomas Jr. on Saturday, taking down Wyoming 68-57 at the Arena-Auditorium in Laramie, Wyo.
The Rebels (12-12, 6-7) avenged their Jan. 21 home loss to the Cowboys (11-13, 4-9), shooting 38% from beyond the arc and 46% from the field—significant improvements from the 25% 3-point shooting and 41% overall they posted during their recent slump.
Defensively, UNLV locked in, holding Wyoming to just 19% shooting from deep and forcing eight second-half turnovers.
After a tightly contested start with five first-half ties, Wyoming’s Obi Agbim drilled a three-pointer to even the score at 20. UNLV responded with a late push, led by Thomas, who attacked the paint on two of the final three possessions before halftime. He converted both layups and added a free throw, sending the Rebels into the break with a 30-23 lead.
UNLV quickly stretched its advantage to 12 early in the second half, but Wyoming continued to push back. Each time the Cowboys cut the deficit to single digits, Thomas and Jailen Bedford had an answer.
The Rebels also capitalized at the free-throw line, an area of concern down the stretch in recent games. They attempted 16 of their 19 free throws in the second half, converting 13.
Thomas led all scorers with 18 points and three assists, shooting 6-of-13 from the field while consistently breaking down Wyoming’s defense. Bedford followed with 14 points off the bench, 12 of which came after halftime as he went 3-of-3 from the field, 2-of-2 from deep, and 4-of-4 at the stripe.
Jaden Henley added 13 points, three rebounds, and two steals, while Julian Rishwain contributed 11 points, shooting 50% from both the field and three-point range.
Jeremiah “Bear” Cherry anchored UNLV’s interior, leading the team with six rebounds and two blocks, including an emphatic chasedown.
Agbim, the conference’s third-leading scorer, led Wyoming with 14 points but was held below his season average of 17.6. He struggled from deep, going 1-of-6, and added three assists, two rebounds, a steal, and a block. Cole Henry was the only other Cowboy in double figures, finishing with 10 points and six assists.
Coach Kevin Kruger credited the team’s mindset and preparation in snapping the skid.
“There was an understanding and a respect that needed to be carried into today because it’s a tough place to play and they play really well together,” Kruger said. “Really proud of the guys for having that approach going into it.”
UNLV will look to build on the win when it returns home to face Air Force on Tuesday at 7 p.m.