The UNLV basketball team surged to a seven-point lead early in the second half Monday night against Maryland at the MGM Grand Garden in the Players Era Festival.

But the advantage wouldn't hold. Already depleted by injuries—including the loss of post player Jacob Bannarbie from an already thin frontcourt—the Rebels were forced to lean heavily on their starters. Four played more than 30 minutes, and UNLV ran out of gas down the stretch.

Maryland's Pharrell Payne capitalized, erupting for 16 of his 20 points in the second half to lift the Terrapins to a 74-67 victory.

The Rebels had some chances to pull away in the second half, but missed layups in transition and open shots, coach Josh Pastner noted.

Payne made 7 of 8 shots from the floor and 6 of 10 free throws for Maryland (5-1), addin

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