Early Deficit Proves Too Much to Overcome (Image Credits: Unsplash)
Phoenix – The UNLV Rebels dropped an 80-67 decision to Grand Canyon on Wednesday night at Global Credit Union Arena, despite a furious second-half rally led by Dra Gibbs-Lawhorn’s game-high 30 points.[1][2]
Early Deficit Proves Too Much to Overcome
Grand Canyon jumped out to a commanding lead early, opening the game with a 12-0 run in the first three-plus minutes.[3] The Lopes never looked back, building a halftime advantage of 42-24 after holding UNLV to a season-low 24 points and just 25 percent shooting from the field.[2]
UNLV struggled offensively from the tip, making only four of its first 23 field goal attempts. A 13-1 spurt by Grand Canyon late in the first half pushed the margin to 20 points. The Rebels entered the break outrebounded and outshot, setting a tone that carried into the second half despite their improved play later.
Gibbs-Lawhorn Carries the Load in Comeback Bid
Dra Gibbs-Lawhorn shouldered the scoring burden, erupting for 30 points on 10-of-20 shooting, including 6 of 11 from three-point range. His pull-up three-pointer with 2:51 remaining capped six straight made field goals by the Rebels and trimmed the deficit to six points at 71-65.
The junior guard, who leads the Mountain West in scoring, marked his fourth 30-point game of the season and extended his streak of 20-plus points to eight consecutive contests.[1] Gibbs-Lawhorn added three steals, but his teammates provided limited support in the first half, limiting UNLV’s chances.
Standout Performers Define the Contest
Former UNLV guard Jaden Henley dominated for Grand Canyon, posting 28 points and 11 rebounds on 9-of-14 shooting.[5] Brian Moore Jr. contributed 17 points, while Nana Owusu-Anane notched a double-double with 11 points and 11 boards.
| Player | Team | Points | Rebounds |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dra Gibbs-Lawhorn | UNLV | 30 | 0 |
| Jaden Henley | GCU | 28 | 11 |
| Howie Fleming Jr. | UNLV | 14 | 6 |
| Brian Moore Jr. | GCU | 17 | 1 |
Support from Howie Fleming Jr. (14 points, six rebounds) and Tyrin Jones (13 points) helped UNLV outscore Grand Canyon 43-38 after halftime, but foul trouble plagued the visitors. Jacob Bannarbie and Kimani Hamilton both fouled out, contributing to UNLV’s league-high 31 disqualifications this season.[1]
Grand Canyon’s Defense Seals Wire-to-Wire Victory
The Lopes controlled the glass with a 41-27 rebounding edge and shot 53.2 percent from the field overall. Grand Canyon coach Bryce Drew praised his big men’s physicality in the paint and on the boards, noting their aggressive play set the tone early.
Despite the loss, the teams split their season series after UNLV’s narrow 80-78 home win on Feb. 7. The Rebels, now 14-14 overall and 9-8 in Mountain West play, face mounting pressure with repetitive slow starts hindering their postseason hopes.[2]
Key Takeaways
- UNLV shot 55 percent in the second half but dug too deep a hole early.
- Grand Canyon never trailed in a dominant rebounding and defensive display.
- Gibbs-Lawhorn’s 30 points highlighted UNLV’s scoring prowess amid team struggles.
UNLV must address its first-half woes to salvage its season. What adjustments will the Rebels make next? Share your thoughts in the comments.
