The UNLV Runnin’ Rebels men’s basketball team achieved a significant milestone by winning their first Mountain West Conference road game of the season against the San Jose State Spartans. The Rebels triumphed with a score of 76-62, marking a crucial victory that improves their overall record to 9-8 and their Mountain West Conference record to 4-2. In contrast, the Spartans’ struggles continue as they fall to 1-6 in conference play and 6-12 overall.
This game was pivotal for both teams, providing a much-needed boost for UNLV. Following the match, head coach Josh Pastner expressed his pride in the team’s performance. “Winning is hard,” he remarked. “Winning on the road is especially hard. I told our guys for the last 48 hours that to win this game, you’ve got to be so defiant to compete for every inch and you can’t give an inch. We found a way to really have a high level of compete.”
Howie Fleming Jr was the standout player for the Rebels, leading the offense with 21 points. He shot 6-11 from the field, 3-6 from beyond the arc, and a perfect 6-6 from the free-throw line. In addition to his scoring, he contributed a team-high eight assists, along with three rebounds and a steal. Other key contributors included Tyrin Jones with 12 points, Kimani Hamilton with 11 points, and Dra Gibbs-Lawhorn who added 10 points.
For the Spartans, Melvin Bell Jr emerged as the leading scorer, finishing the game with 22 points and securing a team-high eight rebounds. He also recorded one assist and one steal, showcasing his impact on the game despite the team’s loss.
Looking ahead, the Runnin’ Rebels will face the Utah State Aggies at home in Las Vegas on January 16, 2024. The Aggies, currently ranked No. 23 in the country, present a challenging matchup for UNLV. A victory in this game would be significant for Coach Pastner and his team, particularly as it will be broadcast nationally on FS1 at 11:00 PM EST.
With the momentum from this road win, the Runnin’ Rebels aim to build on their success and continue improving their standing in the Mountain West Conference.
