LAS VEGAS—UCLA made a valiant second half effort against the UNLV Running Rebels at Allegiant Stadium, nearly erasing a 23-point hole on Saturday, September 6. UCLA Quarterback Nico Iamaleava was impressive, marching the Bruins down the field for a late score, however, a late interception in the waning seconds of the fourth quarter sealed the 30-23 victory for the (3-0) Rebels.
UCLA falls to (0-2) after the bitter defeat.
Iamaleava completed 29-of-41 passes for 255 yards, one touchdown and an interception. He also added a 59 rushing yards with 30 yards coming on a touchdown run.
The Rebels last beat a Big Ten team when they won 23-5 at No. 14 Wisconsin on Sept. 13, 2003. The Bruins entered a wild, bombastic environment. Allegiant Stadium was shaking from the raucous Rebels.
UNLV Quarterback Anthony Colandrea played exceptionally well throwing for 203 yards and three touchdowns in the programs first ever victory over UCLA.
UCLA managed to get on the scoreboard just before the break with a short field goal, but the Bruins were still outgained 250 yards to 110.
But that late scoring drive apparently created a spark, and UCLA had a chance to at least tie by taking possession down a touchdown with 2:17 left. UNLV sealed the victory when linebacker Marsel McDuffie tipped a pass that nickelback Aarmaris Brown intercepted with 52 seconds left.
Adding insult to injury, Brown told reporters during the buildup prior to the game he felt there was nothing that stood out about Iamaleava.
UCLA dominated the second half with 318 yards of total offense compared to UNLV’s 101. The Bruins were 2-for-3 on third down in the fourth quarter, scoring 10 points in the final frame.
“I think it just starts with me, man. I’ve got to be better coming out. I started out a little slow on the first drive coming out. Overall, we got to clean up a lot of stuff,” said Iamaleava.
Sophomore wide receiver Kwazi Gilmer was Iamaleava’s top target, hauling in a career-high eight catches for 87 yards. His 87 yards were the second most in his young career.
Flags were being tossed left and right all game for both squads. Saturday night’s contest was marred by a litany of penalties with a total of 27 for 129 yards each between the two squads.
The Bruin offense came out of the break with renewed confidence. It was just a case of too little too late.
UCLA trailed 30-20 with 8:50 to go. A late field goal made it a seven-point game. The Bruins fierce second half defense forced a UNLV punt setting up one final drive.
The field was literally rumbling as UCLA attempted to send this wild game into overtime.
It was not to be on this night sadly. It was brave to keep fighting, displaying grit which will help this team grow.
The Bruins return home to take on New Mexico at The Rose Bowl on Friday, September 12.
