UNLV 42, Air Force 39

11/24/2006 10:51 PM

LAS VEGAS (AP) -Rocky Hinds threw for a career-high 351 yards and two touchdowns and David Peeples had a pair of touchdown runs to help UNLV snap a 10-game losing streak with a 42-39 victory over Air Force on Friday night.

The Rebels scored 16 straight points in the second half to take the lead for good, including a 2-yard scamper from Peeples for a 32-31 advantage with 6:35 to play in the third quarter.

Ronnie Smith added a 3-yard touchdown run and Sergio Aguayo kicked a 21-yard field goal, redeeming himself after having two extra points blocked.

The Rebels (2-10, 1-7 Mountain West) scored on four of their first five possessions, capped by a Hinds' 22-yard scoring strike to Aaron Straiten on the last play of the first half for a 26-24 lead.

``We showed we are going to be able to do some things next year,'' said Hinds, who completed 26 of 34 passes. ``When we play like this, we can't be stopped. We can put as many points as we'd like.''

Casey Flair had eight catches for 100 yards and a touchdown for UNLV, while Ryan Wolfe had six receptions for 108 yards. Peeples had 23 carries for 92 yards.

``That was a great foundation for the future of this program,'' UNLV coach Mike Sanford said. ``I'm excited about next year already.''

Air Force (4-7, 3-4) lost for the fifth time in its last six games, giving up a season high in points. The Falcons will close their season Dec. 3 at TCU.

Shaun Carney passed for 211 yards and four touchdowns for the Falcons. He also had as 1-yard scoring run for a 31-26 advantage at the 11:08 mark of the third quarter.

But Air Force surrendered 16 straight points before Carney found Victor Thompson for a 5-yard touchdown strike with 2:26 to play.