In spite of freshman Jared Brownridge's 22 points, a 14-3 run in the middle of the second half by UNLV undid the Broncos work after they pulled within two at 17:18 on Sunday night as Santa Clara fell 92-71 to the Running Rebels in the Orleans Arena at the 13th annual Continental Tires Las Vegas Classic.
Santa Clara is 6-6 and UNLV is 7-4. Santa Clara advances to play South Florida (8-3) at 5 pm Mon., Dec. 23 in its final game of the Classic. UNLV will play Mississippi State (9-2) at 7:30 pm. Both games will be televised nationally on the CBS Sports Network.
Santa Clara shot 39.0 percent from the field (23 of 59) including 35.0 percent from beyond the arc (7 of 20). They shot 78.3 percent from the free throw line (18 of 23). They collected 30 rebounds, eight assists, six steals, two blocks and 12 turnovers. UNLV shot 60.7 percent from the field (34 of 56) including 50.0 percent from beyond the arc (7 of 14). The Running Rebels collected 36 rebounds, 17 assists, five steals, five blocks and 12 turnovers.
Individually SCU was led by Brownridge, who scored 22 with three threes and 7 of 8 shooting from the line. It is the fifth game in 12 starts of his true freshman year he has scored 20 or more points. Jerry Brown scored 13 points and added five boards. Brandon Clark has 14 points. Playing in his hometown, Evan Roquemore scored nine points with two rebounds and three assists.
UNLV had five players in double figures. They were led by Deville Smith's 21 points and five assists off the bench. Roscoe Smith added 15, Khem Birch had 14 with eight boards, Bryce DeJean-Sosa 13 and Jelan Kendrick 13.
Down 47-38 at the half, the Broncos 11-4 run opened the second half to pull SCU within two at 17:18. Clark hit two threes and Roquemore drove inside for a bucket and a three crushed a three to make it 51-49. Timeout UNLV.
UNLV scored two field goals and then Clark followed with a floater at 14:04, 55-51 UNLV. Brownridge scored his third three at 13:20.
DeJean-Jones scored five straight and then Wood scored three free throws when he was fouled by McArthur at 10:29 to put the Rebs up 70-56. UNLV made it a 14-3 run with a drive down the lane at 8:34 for a score and led 76-59.
UNLV went up by 20, 83-63, at 3:56 and finished the game with a 92-71 victory..
UNLV opened the game on a 4-0 run before Roquemore connected from nine feet out at 18:18. Atanga's putback made it 8-6 at 16:37.
The Broncos started a 7-1 run on a three by Brownridge at 15:34 and lead 13-9 at 14:18. UNLV battled back to tie it up with a couple field goals and a pair of free throws by Birch at 11:10 but Brown scored inside again at 10:41. The teams were tied at 19 and 22.
UNLV took a 31-24 lead at 5:55 on a 7-2 run. McArthur's three, his second of the year, stopped the run at 5:27.
The Broncos rallied for a 7-0 run to take a 34-33 lead at 3:51, including a fancy move by Brown under the basket. UNLV's 12-2 run made it 45-36 when Keating called for time at 1:03.
UNLV took a 47-38 lead to the lockerroom at halftime. They ended the half on a 14-4 run over the last 3:51.
Game Notes: Santa Clara started a new line-up for the first time this season: Yannick Atanga, Jerry Brown, Jared Brownridge, Brandon Clark and Evan Roquemore … Santa Clara is 7-10 all-time vs. UNLV … The Broncos have never played South Florida.