LAS VEGAS – On a night dedicated to UNLV’s seniors, Julian Rishwain delivered a performance to remember. The sixth-year senior erupted for a career-high 26 points, drilling six 3-pointers and leading the Rebels to a 74-67 win over San Diego State at the Thomas & Mack Center on Tuesday night.
The victory secured UNLV’s (11-8, 17-13) first season sweep of SDSU (13-6, 20-8) since the 2012-13 season and marked their sixth win in the last seven games. Despite missing star sophomore Dedan Thomas Jr., the Rebels have found their rhythm at the right time.
Rishwain was the difference-maker in the second half, playing all 20 minutes while shooting 5-for-7 from the field and 3-for-4 from beyond the arc. He also added four assists, three of which came after halftime, as he kept the Rebels’ offense rolling while the Aztecs continued to push back.
Jaden Henley complemented Rishwain’s performance with 17 points and four 3-pointers, including 13 in the first half. He also contributed four assists, two steals, and two rebounds. Senior forward Jalen Hill stepped up late, scoring 10 of his 11 points in the second half while adding six rebounds, three assists, two steals, and a block.
The Rebels' offense clicked, shooting 51% from the field and 12-for-24 from deep. Their defense, meanwhile, stifled the Aztecs, holding them to just 40% shooting overall and 24% from three.
Nick Boyd led SDSU with 19 points, four rebounds, and three assists, while Miles Byrd put together an impressive stat line with 15 points, 10 rebounds, six assists, four steals, and three blocks. Byrd, a potential NBA prospect, showcased his two-way versatility, but it wasn’t enough to overcome UNLV’s late-game execution.
The contest was tight throughout, with neither team leading by more than seven until the final minute when it was out of reach. After a back-and-forth first half, the Aztecs took a slim 34-32 lead into the break. Henley carried the Rebels early, keeping them within striking distance as he connected on three of his first five attempts from deep.
UNLV’s momentum shifted midway through the second half, sparked by Jailen Bedford and Rishwain’s scoring surge. Trailing by two, Rishwain found Bedford cutting for a layup to knot the score for the 12th and final time.
Bedford followed that with a tough sidestep jumper, then Rishwain got to the cup for a inside-hand finish, through contact, that peaked the momentum. A few trips later, he drilled a deep three to give the Rebels a 63-56 lead with under five minutes to play, prompting an SDSU timeout.
The Aztecs battled back, cutting the deficit to one possession with just over three minutes remaining, but couldn't take advantage of Rebel mishaps at the free-throw line. Instead, Rishwain answered again, drilling his sixth three of the night to put UNLV up seven and close it out.
Hill and Henley finished it at the free-throw line, sealing a crucial win as the home crowd roared in approval.
"It felt great man, my family was all there," Rishwain said. "It all came together this game. I showed out, my coaches stayed confident in me, and I think I rewarded them."
UNLV coach Kevin Kruger picked up a second technical foul in the last two games—just his second of his career, a moment he acknowledged afterward.
"I think I deserved tonight's, I'm not going to lie," Kruger said. "I don't cuss or yell at him but I was a little irritated today. If I've got to get a third one if it will help us win, I'll take one for the team. But I don't know if the refs will be able to hear me in the pit, so maybe that will save me."
With the victory, the Rebels continue their late-season surge, building momentum ahead of the Mountain West Tournament. UNLV will look to carry this form into their regular-season finale at New Mexico before making a push for a postseason berth. Tipoff at The Pit is set for 7 p.m. PT on Friday.