UNLV reserves lift Rebels past Wyoming 71-67

Updated: Mar 13, 2014, 08:14 pm

LAS VEGAS -- Reserves Bryce Dejean-Jones and Roscoe Smith combined for 40 points off the bench as No. 4 seed UNLV held off fifth-seeded Wyoming 71-67 in the Mountain West Conference tournament on Thursday.

The Rebels (20-12) meet top-seeded No. 8-ranked San Diego State (28-3) in a Friday semifinal.

UNLV used two quick bursts after halftime to break away from the Cowboys (18-14), building a 13-point lead in the late going. But Wyoming made one last rally in the final 1:40, coming as close as 66-65 when Jerron Granberry completed a three-point play.

Dejean-Jones led the Rebels with 22 points and Smith scored 18 with 13 rebounds. Deville Smith added 15 points for UNLV and was the only starter to score in the first half. Khem Birch, 0-for-4 in the first half, finished with 8 points.

Josh Adams led Wyoming with 24 points. Nathan Sobey scored 18 as did Granberry, his season high.