LAS VEGAS — In a statement performance on Senior Night at the Thomas & Mack Center, the UNLV Runnin’ Rebels pulled off a statement win over the top-ranked Utah State Aggies — marking the second time this season the Rebels have toppled the conference leaders. UNLV overwhelmed Utah State 92-65, riding a dynamic all-around effort and massive home crowd energy.
Senior Night Honors Before Tip-Off
Before the game, UNLV celebrated its seniors — Walter Brown, Al Green, Howie Fleming Jr., and Kamani Hamilton — in a heartfelt ceremony. Each player stepped onto the court with family in tow, receiving hugs and congratulations from head coach Josh Pastner and UNLV Athletic Director Eric Harper as fans applauded. The occasion added extra emotion ahead of the Rebels’ regular-season finale.
First Half: Rebels Set the Tone
The game started with the Rebels quickly asserting control. UNLV built early momentum behind sharpshooting and defensive intensity, taking a 32-24 lead into halftime. Rookie guard Isaac Williamson was on fire from beyond the arc, finishing the half 4-of-5 from three and ending the contest with 15 points to lead the Rebels in perimeter scoring.
While UNLV’s Dra Gibbs-Lawhorn — who’d been virtually unstoppable all February averaging 30 points a game— was held scoreless in the first half, the Rebels didn’t miss a beat, countering with balanced scoring with five players putting up 10 or more points.
Second Half: Rebels Run Away
UNLV extended its lead early in the second half and never looked back. The Rebels shot a scorching 70 percent in the second half while holding Utah State to just 47 percent shooting after the break. UNLV’s length and energy on both ends made life difficult for the Aggies, forcing turnovers and converting them into transition points.
Center Tyrin Jones was a force inside, pouring in 17 points and controlling the glass. Kimani Hamilton caught fire late and helped spark a decisive 13-2 run with under five minutes left that effectively put the game out of reach. The senior forward led the team in scoring putting up 24 points and 7 rebounds.
To add onto this night for the Rebels, Howie Fleming Jr. picked up another triple double this season putting up 12 points,10 rebounds, and 12 assists. That is the second time in 4 games for Fleming. Coach Josh Pastner post game said it is “nearly impossible” to even get a triple double in NCAA basketball, let alone two in a season.
UNLV shot over 45 percent from the field and dominated inside and on the boards in the second half.
Final score: UNLV 92, Utah State 65
Josh Pastner post game touched on how important this win is for his locker room going into the Mountain West tournament.
The Rebels will be back in action at the Thomas and Mack Center for the Mountain West Basketball Tournament which kicks off on March 7th. The schedule has yet to be released.
Make sure to stay tuned on Vegas Sports Today for all Runnin Rebels updates.
