The UNLV Runnin’ Rebels achieved a notable victory on the road against the San Jose State Spartans. This win marked the team’s first road success in the Mountain West Conference for the season. The final score was 76-62, helping UNLV improve to a 9-8 overall record and 4-2 in conference play.
Game Highlights
The victory pushes San Jose State to a disappointing 1-6 in the Mountain West and 6-12 overall. Notable performances characterized the match, particularly from Rebels’ senior guard Howie Fleming Jr., who led the offense with 21 points. He demonstrated remarkable efficiency, shooting 6 of 11 from the field, hitting 3 of 6 from beyond the arc, and completing all six of his free throw attempts. Additionally, he contributed eight assists, three rebounds, and a steal.
Contributions from Teammates
- Tyrin Jones: 12 points
- Kimani Hamilton: 11 points
- Dra Gibbs-Lawhorn: 10 points
These double-digit scorers were crucial in sealing the win for the Rebels. On the opposing side, Melvin Bell Jr. stood out for the Spartans, scoring 22 points and grabbing eight rebounds. His solid performance included one assist and a steal but wasn’t enough to change the outcome of the game.
Coaching Insights
UNLV’s head coach, Josh Pastner, expressed pride in his team’s resilience. He highlighted the challenges of road victories and emphasized the importance of determination. “Winning on the road is especially hard. You’ve got to be defiant to compete for every inch. I was extremely proud of our young men for growing into the grit and toughness that we talked about,” Pastner stated.
Upcoming Challenge
Looking ahead, the Runnin’ Rebels will face the Utah State Aggies, ranked No. 23 in the country, in their next matchup at home. This game is set for Tuesday and will be broadcast live on FS1 at 11:00 PM EST. A victory against the Aggies would significantly bolster the confidence of coach Pastner and his program.
