A fruitful Saturday

Behind 14 points and 13 rebounds from Jalen Hill, the Rebels (1-1) made easy work of the Stetson Hatters (1-1) at the Thomas and Mack Center. Freshman Dedan Thomas Jr had a strong game with 4 points, 7 rebounds and 9 assists with no turnovers. Luis Rodriguez dropped in 15 points and grabbed 9 rebounds.

At halftime, Rebel Legend and National Champion Anderson Hunt was honored when his jersey was hoisted to the rafters.

The Runnin' Rebels were never challenged. Fueled by a 14-2 run in the first half, the Rebels led 36-21 at the break. The lead ballooned to as much as 26 points in the second half.

But Rebel fortunes blossomed several hours later. Later in the night, the football Rebels gained more momentum as the San Jose State Spartans (5-5, 4-2) thrashed Fresno State 42-18. Fresno State, UNLV's lone conference loss, was knotted with the Rebels with a 4-1 conference record heading into the weekend. The Rebels (8-2, 5-1) easily handled the Wyoming Cowboys on Friday night to move to 5-1. Fresno's loss against San Jose drops the Bulldogs (8-2, 4-2) a game behind the Rebels in the standings.

At the same time, conference leader Air Force (8-2, 5-1), a 20+ point favorite over the Rainbow Warriors, dropped their first conference game of the season at Hawaii. Air Force's 27-13 loss puts the Rebels in a first place tie with the Falcons.

Now the two teams will battle for an important edge for conference supremacy next weekend in Colorado Springs. Arguably the most important regular season game in Rebel history, the game kicks off at 12:30 p.m. PST. The game will be televised nationally by CBS Sports Network.