By Cody Brunner

After suffering one of the worst defeats of the year against Air Force, the U men’s basketball team returns to the U to the safety and security of the Huntsman Center to take on UNLV.

The Utes couldn’t contend with the hostile crowd or Air Force’s suffocating defense in Colorado Springs last Wednesday, committing 19 turnovers on their way to a 69-43 loss. The win pushed the Falcons’ consecutive home winning streak to 29 games, which is also the longest streak in the nation.

“We got off to a good start, but just couldn’t sustain it,” said Utah coach Ray Giacoletti. “We had way too many breakdowns. You can’t win many games turning the ball over that much.”

Utah will try to get back on track tomorrow against the Rebels (21-6, 8-4 MWC), who are holding strong at third place in the conference.

UNLV has been virtually unstoppable at home this season, winning 14 of the 15 games played in the Thomas and Mack Center. Utah weathered that home court tenacity earlier this season, giving the Rebels all they could handle in a double overtime thriller. But a variety of failed opportunities led to Utah’s first conference loss.

U freshman Stephen Weigh had a chance to win the game in regulation, but missed the first of three foul shots, and the Runnin’ Utes went into the first overtime.

The Utes had another chance to win it in the second overtime, with the ball in their possession and only 18 seconds remaining. But an awry pass was intercepted by Rebel guard Wink Adams, inevitably leading to an easy basket at the other end. The layup sealed the victory for UNLV, 97-94.

Senior guard Kevin Kruger led the Rebels on the night with 25 points, but was not the only threat. His fellow guard Wendell White dominated every facet of the contest, pitching in 24 points, 12 rebounds and dishing out seven assists. Adams finished with 23 points and four assists.

“Every team is going to have shooters, and (opponents) have been doing a good job of getting them the ball,” Utah guard Johnnie Bryant said. “We’ve got to be able to make adjustments and not let them get as many looks.”

White, Adams and Kruger have pretty well had their way with opponents this season. The three guards average 43 combined points per game and have been the major reason the Rebels have succeeded this season.

UNLV hasn’t had nearly as much success away from home this season. The Rebels have lost four of their last six road games and have been embarrassed in their last two.

Most recently, they dug themselves into an 18-point hole at halftime against San Diego State and were unable to make a comeback, ultimately losing 67-52.

Meanwhile, the Utes are trying to recover from their latest gaffe against the Falcons with a win over UNLV. The Huntsman Center has been reasonably welcoming to the Utes this year, with seven of their eight victories coming within its friendly confines.

“Hopefully we can start building some momentum in these next couple of games and head into the conference tournament with confidence,” said Utah guard Johnnie Bryant.

The Runnin’ Utes play host to UNLV at 4 p.m. tomorrow. The game will be televised on Versus.

Lennie Mahler

Johnnie Bryant huddles with teammates Lawrence Borha, Stephen Weigh and Luke Nevill late in the Utes’ Jan. 31 loss against BYU.