Nov 23, 2015; Lahaina, HI, USA; UNLV Runnin Rebels guard Ike Nwamu (00) brings the ball up court against the UCLA Bruins at the Lahaina Civic Center during the Maui Jim Maui Invitational at the Lahaina Civic Center. UCLA defeats UNLV 77-75. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 23, 2015; Lahaina, HI, USA; UCLA Bruins coach Steve Alford talks to his son and guard Bryce Alford (20) against the UNLV Runnin Rebels at the Lahaina Civic Center during the Maui Jim Maui Invitational at the Lahaina Civic Center. UCLA defeats UNLV 77-75. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
LAHAINA, Hawaii — When the talent continued to sign on the dotted line and the depth became more than UNLV's basketball team has enjoyed under fifth-year head coach Dave Rice, it wasn't guaranteed the Rebels would immediately turn a corner back towards the NCAA Tournament.