Stephen Zimmerman Jr. totaled 15 points and 15 rebounds as UNLV rolled to an 86-74 victory over New Mexico to make Todd Simon's debut as interim coach a success.
Two days after Dave Rice was fired and Simon was promoted, Simon showed he's willing to roll the dice and take risks. The Rebels were more aggressive defensively, returning to full-court pressure and trapping. On the offensive end, the ball movement, passing and screening were much improved.
Zimmerman and Patrick McCaw were improved, too. The 7-foot freshman turned in his best all-around performance of the season, and McCaw scored 18 points as UNLV (10-7, 1-3) picked up its first Mountain West win.