For the second time in a week, the UNLV Runnin' Rebels failed to earn that precious "quality win", and, instead, were defeated in overtime. On Saturday, it was the Arizona Wildcats that held off the Rebels, 91-88, after the extra period expired.

There was no blame for the loss from the two brightest shining newcomers that carried the Rebels throughout. Brandon McCoy more than held his own against highly touted DeAndre Ayton, scoring a game-high 33 points and grabbing 10 boards. His frontcourt mate, Shakur Juiston, chipped in 21 points and nine rebounds.

The Las Vegas faithful also showed up in full force with an announced crowd of over 14,000 fans. UNLV head coach Marvin Menzies gushed in the post game press conference about the energy that was provided by the raucous group.

Unfortunately, just like the road game against Northern Iowa four days ago, the Rebels faltered when the contest was on the line. At the end of regulation and the game knotted at 78, UNLV had the ball and a chance to win.

What transpired was a bit of a disappointment. Senior Jovan Mooring dribbled the clock down and launched an off-balance trey from the top of the circle. That shot had no chance of going in, and the Rebels' golden chance for a victory slipped away.

Former Findlay Prep player, Alonzo Trier, notched eight of the Wildcats' 13 points in the extra period to lift the visitors. Ayton scored the other five.

UNLV, which fell to 6-2, is still a much better version than it was just one year ago. It feels like the Rebels can match-up pretty well with just about anyone that they will come across on their schedule. The talent has been upgraded immensely. Figuring out ways to win in these tight decisions is the biggest question mark.

The Rebels will play their next two games at the MGM Garden Arena against Oral Roberts and Illinois.