Streaks Meet in the Desert (Image Credits: Unsplash)
Las Vegas – The UNLV Runnin’ Rebels welcome the Colorado State Rams to the Thomas & Mack Center on Wednesday night for a Mountain West Conference matchup carrying tournament implications for both squads.[1][2]
Streaks Meet in the Desert
Both teams arrived with three consecutive victories, marking a turnaround for programs that endured midseason skids. UNLV captured its streak by sweeping Boise State, including an 86-83 overtime thriller on the road last Friday. Dra Gibbs-Lawhorn erupted for a career-high 36 points in that contest, solidifying his status as the conference’s leading scorer at 19.4 points per game.[1][3]
Colorado State similarly rallied past Wyoming 79-68 on Saturday, erasing a double-digit deficit with a decisive second-half surge. The Rams shot over 70 percent after halftime and leaned on their bench for crucial scoring. This road test presents an opportunity to extend momentum against a familiar foe.[4]
Tournament Positioning Hangs in Balance
UNLV sat sixth in the Mountain West standings at 8-6 in conference play and 13-12 overall, positioning the Rebels just outside the top four that earn a first-round bye in the postseason tournament. Six regular-season games remained, offering a clear path upward with consistent results. Colorado State trailed at 6-8 in the league and 15-10 overall, occupying eighth place amid a crowded mid-pack.[2]
A victory would boost UNLV’s tiebreaker hopes and breathing room, while CSU aimed to climb into contention. The conference race featured Utah State leading at 12-2, followed closely by San Diego State and New Mexico. Every game counted in this stage.[2]
| Team | MW Record | Overall |
|---|---|---|
| Utah State | 12-2 | 22-3 |
| San Diego State | 12-3 | 18-7 |
| New Mexico | 11-4 | 20-6 |
| Grand Canyon | 10-5 | 17-9 |
| UNLV | 8-6 | 13-12 |
| Colorado State | 6-8 | 15-10 |
Players Poised to Shine
UNLV relied on Gibbs-Lawhorn’s scoring punch, complemented by Jacob Bannarbie’s rebounding (5.5 per game) and Howie Fleming Jr.’s playmaking (3.1 assists per game). Freshman Tyrin Jones returned from injury to anchor the defense with 2.0 blocks per game, leading the conference. The Rebels showcased resilience, rallying from 23 points down at Boise State earlier.[1][4]
Colorado State’s Kyle Jorgensen paced the offense at 12.3 points per game, while Carey Booth dominated the glass (5.8 rebounds) and paint (1.0 blocks). Jase Butler dazzled against Wyoming with 18 points, six assists, and three steals. The Rams’ bench averaged over 30 points in recent outings, providing depth.[5]
- Dra Gibbs-Lawhorn (UNLV): 19.4 PPG, MW scoring leader
- Kyle Jorgensen (CSU): 12.3 PPG
- Tyrin Jones (UNLV): 2.0 BPG, MW leader
- Jase Butler (CSU): Career-high 18 PTS vs. Wyoming
- Carey Booth (CSU): 5.8 RPG
Revenge Fuels Intense First Meeting Rematch
Colorado State claimed the earlier contest 70-62 on January 9 in Fort Collins, handing UNLV its road defeat. Freshman Issac Williamson paced the Rebels with 14 points off the bench that night. UNLV sought payback at home, where it shot efficiently in recent games.[1]
The Rams excelled in free-throw shooting (77.1 percent, 29th nationally) and assist rates, but road defense posed questions. UNLV forced turnovers at 8.0 steals per game. Analysts favored the Rebels by 1.5 to 2.5 points, with a total around 148.[5]
- Both teams enter with three straight wins, desperate for positioning in a tight conference race.
- UNLV’s home court and scoring leader Gibbs-Lawhorn give the edge in revenge bid.
- A top-four finish secures a valuable tournament bye with few games left.
This showdown could reshape the Mountain West landscape as the regular season winds down. Fans at the Thomas & Mack will witness a battle of momentum and motivation. What do you think will decide the outcome? Tell us in the comments.
