Trailing by two points, Dedan Thomas Jr stepped to the free throw line with 1.3 seconds remaining in regulation needing to make both to force an overtime. After rattling the first one home, Lobo head coach Richard Pitino called a time out - both to freeze Thomas and set up a potential Hail Mary last shot in the event of a make.

It worked.

Thomas clanked the free throw and it was rebounded by Nelly Joseph. Joseph converted a free throw to seal the game. Joseph dominated the paint with 22 points and a career high 18 rebounds. But the Lobos were carried offensively by Donovan Dent who went for 34 points on 13-21 shooting from the field.

The Rebels were led by Thomas’ 18 points and 7 assists. Julian Rishwain dropped five three pointers for 16 points. No other Rebel ended the game with double figures.

The game was tightly contested from start to finish with neither team able to mount a lengthy lead. The Rebels failed to hit a basket over the last 3:48 of the game.

Losers of two straight, the Rebels drop to 11-9 on the season and 5-4 in conference. In their next game, UNLV will attempt to sweep the season series at Utah State, whose lone conference loss was a three point decision at the Thomas and Mack two weeks ago. That game will take place on Wednesday night at 7 p.m on Fox Sports.