Source link : https://las-vegas-news.com/unlv-rebels-survive-heart-stopping-rally-to-claim-nit-road-win/
Rebels Blitz Anteaters in Dominant First Half (Image Credits: Unsplash)
Irvine, California – The UNLV men’s basketball team navigated a rollercoaster first-round NIT contest on Tuesday night, holding off a determined UC Irvine squad for a 75-72 victory at Bren Events Center.[1][2] The Rebels, now 18-16 on the season, squandered an 18-point halftime advantage but delivered in the clutch to advance.[3] This gritty performance under first-year coach Josh Pastner signals momentum as UNLV prepares for Tulsa in the second round.[3]
Rebels Blitz Anteaters in Dominant First Half
UNLV seized control early, racing to a 19-5 lead within the first seven minutes on the back of hot shooting and opportunistic defense.[4] Dra Gibbs-Lawhorn drained back-to-back 3-pointers off UC Irvine turnovers, pushing the margin to 29-11 midway through the half.[1] The Anteaters, Big West regular-season champions at 23-11 entering the game, missed their first eight field-goal attempts and shot just 24.2 percent from the floor before halftime.[4]
The Rebels carried a 37-24 lead into the locker room, converting 51.9 percent of shots while holding UCI to dismal efficiency.[2] UNLV’s blocks and steals fueled transition opportunities, setting a tone of physicality on the road. Five Rebels reached double figures in scoring overall, but the first-half surge showcased their depth and defensive intensity.
Anteaters Ignite Second-Half Firestorm
UC Irvine flipped the script after the break, erupting for…
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Author : Matthias Binder
Publish date : 2026-03-18 20:53:00
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