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By Rhett, February 6, 2010 10:02 pm

Tre'Von rollin dolo's. (Photo by Louie Traub/RebelNation.Net)

I last attended a college basketball game on January 17th when UNLV lost to Utah at home. It was a bad loss.

Since then, UNLV has won a few road contests, and a home game vs Air Force I could not attend. To say I was looking forward to today’s game is an understatement. I have deprived myself of Big Monday’s and Super Tuesday’s. I’m doing what I have to do, but I am missing my favorite sports season, and I’m bummed about it sometimes.

That being said, UNLV playing host to BYU was game #19 for me. It was quite the game.

UNLV game out slanging nerve gas on BYU. I have never seen anything close to what I saw in person today. The Rebels were ready to play. It was evident after they started the game on a 11-2 run, with Tre’Von Willis getting whatever shot he wanted. BYU came out flat, seemed pouty for most of the game, and really never even competed. I have seen BYU play a ton of games (second only to UNLV) over the past hand-full of years. They recruit talent, seem to be well coached, and probably deserved their high rankings they’ve had this year. They can’t play against UNLV though. The Rebel’s choked away the game in Provo earlier this year. They were up at the under 4 time out, and just did not make plays they’ve made all year. BYU didn’t win that one, UNLV lost it. BYU rolls into town this afternoon (1pm local tip is  a good deal) and they get the covers blown off their golden bible. Tre’Von Willis put his stamp on his MWC POTY opinion, by throwing in 33 points, 5 rebounds, 8 assists, 2 steals and 0 turnovers. He also played some very nice near lockdown defense on this Jimmer kid, holding this supposed all world MWC guy to 21 points on 4 of 15 shooting. Oscar Bellfield also played a part in this. Both guys are fast, and did a great job in keeping Jimmer in front of them all afternoon.

The final was 88-74, but it wasn’t even that close. It was over at halftime, with UNLV being up 22 going into the break. UNLV was up by as much a 29 before halftime.

Another little tidbit – for everybody claiming Fredette is the clear cut MVP of the MWC, think again. Willis is scoring more per conference game than Fredette, and has owned him in both head to head meetings. Spare me that ‘oh, he was sick’ crap. Willis played well on the road in the heart of Provo. Fredette stunk it up today. The only open shot he could get was a NBA+ three. Who’s your prophet?

UNLV hosts New Mexico Wednesday night. They beat the airbrushers today to create a 3-way tie on top of the MWC. UNLV has the previously mentioned New Mexico game, then heads to SDSU and Utah. Then they play all the clowns at the bottom of the league.

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By Rhett, February 15, 2009 9:17 am

In what will hopefully become a semi-regular occurance, I will do my best to keep you East coast and Mid-West hoops fans up to date on the players in the Pacifc time zone that make a difference. You don’t know about them because you go to bed at 10:00 when I’m getting settled in for a late game. What better place to start than my current hometown team, the UNLV Runnin’ Rebels and Sophmore guard Tre’Von Willis.

Willis is a transfer from Memphis two years ago who sat out last year on the bench, and is finally reaping the rewards of his patience. 6′4″, 200 lbs, big enough to check most taller guards, fast enough to stay in front of quicker PG’s. He’s originally a West Coast guy, heading to Memphis out of Fresno, CA. I think the west suits him better. Shuffeled in and out of the starting lineup, he has not let anything stop him from developing as the season has gone on. I think Willis realized he could become the leader of this team after the nailbitting win @ Louisville on New Years Eve. Wink Adams is the unquestioned leader now. With him out, Rene Rougeau carried the load, with Willis stepping up to fill the scoring load with 16 points and 7-8 from the FT line in a hostile envrionment, many coming towards the end of the game. His minutes per game have increased as the season has gone on, an obvious sign that coach Lon Kruger has faith in his game and knows that he can get to the rim to draw fouls or convert easy baskets. Next year he’ll be a full time starter and have the chance to become the leader of the team with several Seniors moving on. Keep your eyes and ears open for Tre’Von as this season ends and the next one begins. Tre’Von Willis – Stat Log