Historic Streak Nearly Snapped in Offensive Drought (Image Credits: Unsplash)
Las Vegas – New Mexico dominated UNLV with an 89-61 victory Tuesday night at the Thomas & Mack Center, handing the Rebels their most lopsided home defeat of the season.[1][2]
Historic Streak Nearly Snapped in Offensive Drought
UNLV entered the game riding a 39-year NCAA record of making at least one 3-pointer in every contest since the line’s introduction in 1986-87, spanning 1,280 games.[1] The Rebels tested that legacy hard, missing their first 13 attempts over the opening 28 minutes.
Al Green finally drained one with 11:46 left in the second half, sparking sarcastic cheers from the sparse crowd and preserving the streak. UNLV finished 4 for 18 from beyond the arc, but the delay underscored a broader offensive malaise. No Rebel reached double figures, with Issac Williamson and Naas Cunningham leading the way at nine points apiece.[2]
Coach Josh Pastner offered little consolation afterward. “We got our butts kicked,” he said. “Thank the good lord we made a 3-pointer, and I thought Naas Cunningham gave us some good minutes. Other than that, we were terrible.”[1]
Early Injury Derails Rebels’ Momentum
Fan favorite freshman Tyrin Jones lasted barely two minutes before a shoulder injury sidelined him for the night. New Mexico had already jumped to a 4-0 lead, and Jones returned to the bench in a brace without re-entering the fray.[3]
The loss compounded UNLV’s woes after snapping a three-game win streak with a comeback at Utah State. Now 10-10 overall and 5-4 in Mountain West play, the Rebels committed 15 turnovers, including baffling second-half passes sailing out of bounds with no teammates in sight. Leading scorer Dra Gibbs-Lawhorn battled foul trouble throughout, limiting his impact to eight points.[2]
- 16 turnovers plagued possession.
- Poor defense yielded open jumpers and layups.
- Foul issues hampered key players.
- 37.3% field goal shooting lagged far behind New Mexico’s 50.8%.[2]
Buljan’s Hot Hand Ignites Lobos’ Rout
Freshman forward Tomislav Buljan erupted for 18 points and 11 rebounds, scoring 16 of New Mexico’s first 25 en route to a 41-22 halftime bulge. The Lobos ballooned the lead to 51-26 midway through the second half before cruising.[1]
Jake Hall added 16 points while Uriah Tenette chipped in 15. New Mexico shot 10 for 24 from deep and grabbed 41 rebounds to UNLV’s 31, improving to 17-4 overall and 8-2 in conference play. The win marked their largest margin ever at the Thomas & Mack against the Rebels.[2]
| Top Scorers | Points | Rebounds |
|---|---|---|
| New Mexico – Tomislav Buljan | 18 | 11 |
| New Mexico – Jake Hall | 16 | 2 |
| UNLV – Issac Williamson | 9 | 2 |
Conference Implications Loom Large
UNLV’s second straight defeat drops them from contention in a tightening Mountain West race, where New Mexico now holds sole possession of first place. The Rebels’ defensive lapses and turnover-prone play raise questions about their postseason hopes amid a 12-year NCAA Tournament drought.
Pastner’s squad must regroup quickly, with home crowds already drawing coach frustration for low energy. The silver lining remains that historic 3-point streak, but silver linings felt scarce Tuesday night.
Key Takeaways
- New Mexico’s balanced attack and rebounding edge proved decisive in the 28-point win.
- UNLV’s injury to Tyrin Jones and 15 turnovers amplified an already poor shooting night.
- The Rebels cling to their NCAA-record 3-point streak, now at 1,280 games, by the narrowest margin yet.
As UNLV licks its wounds, the focus shifts to bouncing back before slipping further in standings. New Mexico’s statement win solidifies their frontrunner status. What do you think about the Rebels’ chances moving forward? Tell us in the comments.
