Final Score: Air Force 71, UNLV 56

USAFA, CO (Sports Network) - Michael Lyons recorded a game-high 27 points as the Air Force Falcons defeated the UNLV Runnin' Rebels, 71-56, in Mountain West Conference play at Clune Arena.

Mike Fitzgerald was two rebounds shy of a double-double with 18 points for the Falcons (15-8, 6-4 MWC). DeLovell Earls added 12 points and three assists as Air Force snapped a two-game losing streak.

For the Runnin' Rebels (18-7, 5-5), Katin Reinhardt contributed a team-high 15 points. Anthony Bennett added eight points and eight boards for UNLV which has lost three of its last four games.

In the first half, Air Force made 18-of-35 from the floor including six 3- pointers. It held UNLV to a mere 3-of-11 beyond the arc, en route to a 43-29 advantage at halftime

Both teams made 11 from the floor and two 3-pointers in the second half. Air Force was also perfect from the free-throw line (4-of-4) as it kept UNLV at bay.

Air Force controlled the boards, 35-24, and points in the paint, 34-24.