FRESNO, Calif. -- UNLV survived a late rally and a last-second shot attempt to escape with a 52-51 win over Fresno State on Saturday night at the Save Mart Center.
The Rebels (14-12, 8-7) led by as many as 11 points but went scoreless for seven minutes late in the second half, allowing the Bulldogs (5-21, 1-14) to climb back and take their first lead in the final minute. Jaden Henley delivered the game-winning basket on a second-chance layup, and Pape N’Diaye preserved the victory with a game-saving block on Fresno State’s next possession.
Fresno State had one final opportunity after Dedan Thomas Jr. came up short on the front end of a one-and-one, but Jalen Weaver’s potential game-winner bounced off the rim as UNLV held on.
Both teams struggled offensively in the first half, with UNLV shooting just 28% from the field and 18% from deep. Fresno State was even worse at 22% overall but connected on 25% of its threes. The Bulldogs committed nine turnovers, leading to 11 Rebel points, and only made six field goals before halftime.
Henley led the way early, scoring seven of his 13 points in the first half, including the final two buckets before the break to give UNLV a 26-18 lead.
Fresno State came out more aggressive in the second half, quickly doubling its first-half point total in the first eight minutes to tie the game. Jailen Bedford responded for UNLV, knocking down three quick 3-pointers to push the lead back to 11.
With eight minutes left, Fresno State coach Vance Walberg turned to a full-court press, and UNLV’s offense ground to a halt. The Rebels missed six straight shots and committed five turnovers, allowing the Bulldogs to claw back with a 9-0 run. Las Vegas native and former UNLV commit Zaon Collins drove to the rim and finished to put Fresno State ahead by one with under a minute to play, completing the comeback.
Henley responded on the next possession, grabbing an offensive rebound and finishing through contact to put the Rebels back in front by one. Collins had a chance to retake the lead for the Bulldogs, but N’Diaye met him at the rim for a crucial block. Fresno then sent Thomas to the line with eight seconds left, but the Rebels’ star, who has struggled in clutch free-throw situations, missed, setting up Fresno’s final chance.
Collins found Weaver in the corner, but his open jumper clanked off the iron as time expired, sealing UNLV’s win.
Bedford led the Rebels with 13 points and six rebounds off the bench, while Henley matched him with 13 and added a team-high nine boards. Thomas struggled from the field, shooting 3-for-10, but finished with seven points and seven assists.
Fresno State freshman Elijah Price led all scorers with 15 points while adding 12 rebounds, two blocks and three steals. Brian Amuneke contributed nine points, four boards and a team-high +6 +/-, while Collins finished with six points, seven rebounds and seven assists.
The victory moves UNLV over .500 in Mountain West play at 8-7, jumping UNR in the standings for sixth place. The Rebels return home to the Thomas & Mack Center on Saturday to face Colorado State at 7 p.m.