LAS VEGAS -- Tyson Degenhart scored 16 points as Boise State beat UNLV 71-62 on Tuesday night.

UNLV suffered their fifth consecutive loss, falling to Boise State 71-62 despite strong performances from Dedan Thomas Jr. and Bear Cherry, as the Rebels now hold an 11-12 overall record and 5-7 in conference play.

Alvaro Cardenas knew nobody probably believed him when he said two weeks ago that Boise State could still win the Mountain West regular season crown. He knows many probably still don’t give them much of a chance.

UNLV, which has lost four consecutive games by a total of 15 points, will host Boise State on Tuesday. The Rebels lost to the Broncos 81-59 on Jan. 7.