Aztecs lead Rebels at halftime, 30-28

The big question during the first half of Tuesday night’s Mountain West Conference showdown between UNLV and San Diego State was this: which would be lower — UNLV’s shooting percentage or the career ERA of halftime guest Greg Maddux?

The Rebels shot a woeful 28.0 percent from the floor (7-of-25) but remarkably trailed the Aztecs by just two points, 30-28.

UNLV trailed by as many as 10 points, 24-14, with 5:03 to go in the half but closed the half with a 14-6 run capped by a 3-pointer by Joe Darger with 23 seconds left.

The Rebels stayed in the game by getting to the free throw line. San Diego State was whistled for 11 first half fouls and UNLV made 11 of 16 free throws. The Aztecs, meanwhile, were just 5-of-6 from the line.

Darger and Wink Adams had six points each for UNLV while Lorrenzo Wade and Kyle Spain led the Aztecs with seven apiece.