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MBK: Rebels Hold Off Aztecs For Huge MW Win

Feb. 11, 2012
Associated Press

LAS VEGAS - Mike Moser scored 19 points and made a key steal late that sent No. 14 UNLV past No. 13 San Diego State 65-63 on Saturday.

The Runnin' Rebels (22-4, 6-2 Mountain West) forced three turnovers in the final 42 seconds to win.

Moser's steal and pass set up Anthony Marshall for the go-ahead layup. The Aztecs' Chase Tapley had made a 3-pointer to put San Diego State up by one point with less than two minutes to play.

San Diego State (20-4, 6-2) didn't score again, despite several changes to tie or take the lead.

Tapley finished with 22 points, 16 in the second half for the Aztecs.

Moser missed his first five shots of the game before finding his touch at the end of the first half, scoring nine points during a 15-4 run that put the Rebels up 37-29 at halftime.

UNLV's Bryce Massamba paced the Rebels at the start of the second half, scoring his team's first 10 points. But San Diego State's defense kept the Rebels scoreless over a four-minute stretch while Tapley brought his team back from an 11-point deficit.

UNLV's defense bailed out its poor shooting. UNLV shot less than 41 percent for the game, and made just one of 11 3-point attempts and one of five free throws during the first half.

Chace Stanback and Marshall -- UNLV's second- and third-leading scorers coming into the game -- combined for a total of four field goals and just one 3 in eight attempts.

UNLV missed eight of its first 10 shots, but San Diego State was unable to extend its lead beyond 6 points less than six minutes into the game.

Xavier Thames hit a long 3 for the Aztecs as the half ended, but didn't release the ball in time to allow the basket to count.

Jamaal Franklin finished with 15 points for the Aztecs.

Moser had nine rebounds, one shy of recording his 14th double-double of the year.