unlv basketball: Rebels Back to Playing Well After Tough Slide, Host Colorado State Tonight
UNLV basketball returns to the Thomas & Mack Center tonight riding a three-game winning streak after an 86-83 overtime road victory. The Rebels aim to build on a late-season push when they host Colorado State with tipoff scheduled for 11 p. m. ET on Feb. 18.
Hot stretch fueled by a big night from Dra Gibbs-Lawhorn
The recent turnaround has been driven by a breakout performance from Dra Gibbs-Lawhorn, who erupted for 36 points in the overtime win that extended the streak to three. Gibbs-Lawhorn made six of 12 triples in that outing and has emerged as UNLV's primary scoring threat this season, averaging roughly 19. 4 points while shooting near 50% overall and better than 38% from long range. The Rebels coupled his scoring with efficient team shooting—connecting on 48% of attempts from deep in the Boise game—and cut down on mistakes, committing just eight turnovers in 45 minutes.
Those offensive gains have masked lingering issues on the glass and defense. Recent efficiency markers place UNLV in the low-120s nationally overall, with an offense that ranks near the top 110 and a defense that sits among the lower-tier groups. Rebounding has been a particular weakness, with the team toward the bottom of the national ranks in total rebounding percentage. Still, momentum and hotter perimeter shooting have pushed expectations up heading into this must-win stretch of conference play.
Matchup, stakes and game details
Tonight's game carries weight for both teams as they jockey for seeding and momentum ahead of postseason play. The Rams arrive on a three-game winning streak of their own and are 6-8 in conference play, while the Rebels are 8-6 in league action and 13-12 overall. The teams split earlier results this season; Colorado State won the first meeting 70-62 on its home floor in January, making this a key chance for UNLV to even the season series.
Tip is set for 11 p. m. ET at the Thomas & Mack Center on Feb. 18. The arena holds just over 19, 000 fans, though UNLV's announced home attendance this season averages around 5, 173 per game. Early market lines show a narrow lean toward the Rebels, and a number of advanced models project a razor-thin margin favoring UNLV by one or two points, reflecting how closely matched these teams have been lately.
Availability could tilt the balance. Colorado State would be hampered if guard Pascarelli is sidelined; he provides steady ball handling and perimeter shooting. On the road the Rams have struggled to convert efficiently and to slow opposing shooters, while UNLV has been far more productive at home, shooting a higher percentage inside the Thomas & Mack Center than on the road.
Keys to watch and a brief outlook
UNLV's path to victory is straightforward: sustain the three-point accuracy that rescued them in Boise, limit turnovers, and crash the offensive glass to offset the rebounding gap. If Gibbs-Lawhorn continues to get clean looks and the supporting cast remains efficient from three, the Rebels should be able to keep pace. Defensively, UNLV must tighten up on perimeter coverage and contest catch-and-shoot opportunities—the Rams can punish soft closeouts from deep.
Analyst Ben Hayes has offered a rare favorable pick for the Rebels as they return home hot, a reflection of the raised expectations from their recent wins over solid opponents. Expect a late-night, high-energy atmosphere and a close finish—this is likely to be a tight game decided in the final minutes, with turnovers, free-throw execution and bench contributions determining which team walks out with control of its March trajectory.
