UNLV hangs on in final seconds for 72-70 victory against San Diego State

UNLV's Anthony Marshall (3) and Quintrell Thomas (1) reach for a rebound against San Diego State's Jamaal Franklin (21) and Skylar Spencer during the first half of an an NCAA college basketball game, Saturday, Feb. 16, 2013, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/Julie Jacobson) (The Associated Press)

San Diego State's Winston Shepard (13) drives to the basket against UNLV's Mike Moser in the first half of an an NCAA college basketball game, Saturday, Feb. 16, 2013, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/Julie Jacobson) (The Associated Press)

LAS VEGAS – Anthony Bennett had 21 points and 12 rebounds, and UNLV hung on in the final seconds to beat San Diego State 72-70 on Saturday night.

After a 14-0 run gave UNLV its largest lead at 67-57, the Aztecs came back and had a chance to go ahead in the final seconds, but Jamaal Franklin with whistled for a traveling violation with two seconds remaining.

Khem Birch added 16 points for the Rebels (19-7, 6-5 Mountain West).

Bennett, who had three blocks, finished 4 of 5 from 3-point range.

Chase Tapley led the Aztecs (18-7, 6-5) with 22 points and six rebounds. JJ O'Brien added 15 points, all in the first half, and 11 rebounds.

Franklin, who finished with 11 points and five steals, also missed a potential tying 3-pointer from the top left arc with 29 seconds left. After Franklin's miss, UNLV's Justin Hawkins made 1 of 2 free throws to make it 71-67.

Tapley hit a 3-pointer to cut it to 71-70. On the ensuing inbounds play, O'Brien tied up Bryce DeJean-Jones, and the Aztecs got the ball on the possession arrow. But Franklin took too many steps.