Brice Massamba News

Matt Shaw's four three-pointers in a 16 point performance lead the Rebels to a 72-63 win over Weber State Thursday night.

Technical fouls--None. CEDAR CITY, Utah -- Slow starts to games seem to be a theme for UNLV, and sophomore Chace Stanback has been looking to pick up the pace himself.

In a typical film session, UNLV coach Lon Kruger reviews the previous game and emphasizes points positive and negative.

By competing against each other during practice and cheering for each other during games, Darris Santee, Brice Massamba and Matt Shaw have pushed themselves to a combined average 18.4 points and 9.3 rebounds per game.

UNLV forward Matt Shaw fights for a defensive rebound with Louisville forwards George Goode, left, and Jared Swopshire during the second half of a Nov.

Despite a 7-0 start, and a national ranking that will likely improve come Monday morning, coach Lon Kruger and his Runnin' Rebels won't be logging on to Priceline or Expedia to book their Final Four flights to Indianapolis anytime soon.

Oscar Bellfield had 15 points and six rebounds to help 24th-ranked UNLV down Santa Clara, 66-63. Tre'Von Willis had 14 points and five assists while Brice Massamba added nine points for the Running Rebels , who have won their past two games on close decisions, including a 74-72 double-overtime win over Arizona on Wednesday.

Want to share your UNLV hoops comments with Ryan Greene? Want to banter? Want to just vent? Add the #unlvmbb tag to all of your roundball-related tweets, and they'll appear at the bottom of our live game blogs, allowing you to share your thoughts with the world and interact with other UNLV fans.

Los Angeles Westchester High forward Dwayne Polee Jr. joins the UNLV student section during their game against Louisville Saturday, November 28, 2009 at the Thomas & Mack.

UNLV basketball legends Larry Johnson and Jerry Tarkanian sit behind the bench Saturday night before the Rebels game against Southern Illinois at the Thomas & Mack Center.

A little time away from basketball was not a big concern to UNLV junior Matt Shaw.

Former UNLV center Louis Amundson , a fan favorite in Phoenix, looking on in a Suns' huddle during a Sunday timeout of an eventual victory over Toronto.

UNLV's Matt Shaw gets possession of a loose ball as he is pursued by Kendal Brown-Surles, left, and Kevin Dillard during a game against Southern Illinois at the Thomas & Mack Center Saturday.

UNLV basketball legends Larry Johnson and Jerry Tarkanian sit behind the bench Saturday night before the Rebels game against Southern Illinois at the Thomas & Mack Center.

A variety of weight-loss gimmicks are available to the masses. UNLV center Brice Massamba followed a simple plan to achieve a slimmer figure.

UNLV guard Justin Hawkins celebrates a turnover against UNR during the second half of their game Wednesday, November 18, 2009 at the Thomas & Mack Center.

UNR's Brandon Fields shoots over UNLV's Tre'Von Willis during the first half at Thomas and Mack in Las Vegas on Nov.

Some freshmen expect a lot of playing time right away. Justin Hawkins came to UNLV hoping for some minutes and willing to work to earn more.

Las Vegas Sun reporters Rob Miech and Ray Brewer discuss the UNLV basketball team's season opening victory against Pittsburg State.

UNLV's Tre'Von Willis and Justin Hawkins high five fans Saturday after defeating Pittsburg State in the season opener for both teams at the Thomas & Mack Center.