Round Up: Vegas Gets Some Scoring

UNLV received some much-needed scoring from one of the guys they were counting on this season -- Joe Darger -- in a 84-71 win over UTEP. The Runnin' Rebels (5-2) had been doing a pretty good job of shutting people down this season, but have had trouble putting the ball in the basket. Darger had a career-high 23 points (including a perfect 7-for-7 on free throws) to lead UNLV, while Curtis Terry added 20. This was the most points that the Rebels have scored since they put up 97 points on Dixie State. So let's just say this was the most points they put up against a real opponent this season. The Rebels are still looking for Wink Adams to get some more consistency to lead this team, but this was a pretty good start.

You have to like the way the Rebels have bounced back after losses this season. UNLV rebounded from a loss with a good win against Nevada, and now they followed up a tough loss at UC Santa Barbara with the win on Saturday. The team now has a chance to get some wins strung together because of a favorable schedule, so hopefully the can go into the Arizona game on a roll.

Let's take a look at some other key Mid Majors, starting in the Mountain West.No. 21 BYU 78, Portland 54: You didn't figure the Cougars (6-1) would have much trouble and they didn't. BYU has one more tune up -- against Weber State -- before a big game against No. 10 Michigan State on Dec. 8.

San Diego State 71, Western Michigan 62: The attendance at Cox Arena was 7,122. That would have beaten today's football attendance if any team other than BYU had been in town to face the football Aztecs. Good to see Richie Williams finally getting up to speed. He, along with Kyle Spain had 16 points. State has won nine consecutive home games.

Mississippi 85, New Mexico 77: First loss of the season for the Lobos (7-1). This was a tough road assignment for New Mexico, tough to go on the road to an SEC school.

Utah 78, UC Irvine 66: The Anteaters no longer choke exclusively in Anaheim. They blew a 13-point lead to lose by 13 points. Where is Jerry Green when you need him?

The WAC

Pacific 70, Nevada 66: You have to preach patience for the Wolf Pack (2-4), but you want to see some signs of improvement. Nevada couldn't defend the three-point shot, especially early, and things are just getting worse for Mark Fox. Good win for the Tigers, though, who are now 5-2. Chad Troyer, a transfer from Miami (OH), led the team with 19 points. Hey, isn't Fullerton supposed to get all of the MAC transfers?

North Texas 75, New Mexico State 72. The Mean Green (are they still called that?) are playing well this year, but you can't lose in your own tournament. You just can't do that.

Utah State 71, Santa Clara 65: There's a good win for the Aggies (5-4), who have stumbled a little bit recently. But it's tough to win at the Spectrum, as Santa Clara (5-2) found out. One guess on who led Utah State in scoring. (Hint: The leading scorer was 20-year senior Jaycee Carroll.)

Boise State 91, San Francisco 81: The Broncos are now 5-2 and they might be worth paying attention to. Well, if they ever beat somebody good.