LAS VEGAS - So much for that pipe dream.

Colorado State's prayerful hopes of playing in the NCAA Tournament ended Friday night, the gutsy Rams running into a hot, crowd-driven Nevada- Las Vegas team that had no interest in contributing to another impossible- dream CSU run in the Mountain West Conference tournament.

No. 2 seed UNLV's 88-72 win in Friday's late semifinal advances the Rebels to today's title game against top-seeded Brigham Young (5 p.m. MDT, Versus).

CSU, as a No. 6 seed, came out of the clear blue sky to beat UNLV in the 2003 title game the last time the MWC tournament was played here, earning the Rams' only NCAA berth in coach Dale Layer's eight seasons. But this CSU team had no answer for UNLV's depth, perimeter shooting and athleticism.

CSU, which played one of its better games of the season in Thursday's quarterfinal win against San Diego State, came into the game with high hopes despite losing to the Rebels by hefty margins in both regular-season meetings.

But the Rebels had other ideas, using precise passing and perimeter shooting to dash out to a 25-13 lead midway through the first half. CSU shaved the lead to five with five minutes left in the half but could creep no closer.

Kevin Kruger, UNLV coach Lon Kruger's smooth-shooting son, led the way with 21 points, 19 before halftime, when he sank all five of his three-pointers. UNLV's Joel Anthony had five first- half blocks, one a highlight-reel number against CSU 7-foot star Jason Smith.

Now for CSU, the pressing issue will be Layer's job status. Despite Thursday's win, CSU collapsed in conference play for the fourth straight season. The Rams began the season 10-2 against a reasonably competitive nonconference slate but finished only 6-10 in MWC regular-season play.

Layer has one season remaining on the contract extension he signed after the Rams met Duke in '03. So if athletic director Paul Kowalczyk decides it's time, the university would have to buy out Layer's contract of about $225,000.

Also, Smith must decide whether he will leave one year early for the NBA.

CSU finished 17-13 overall and has sent in its application for consideration for the National Invitation Tournament. The Rams will find out late Sunday whether they are anointed by the NIT.

holtzr@RockyMountainNews.com