A Gritty Finish Propels UNLV into Postseason (Image Credits: Unsplash)
Las Vegas – The UNLV Runnin’ Rebels men’s basketball team accepted an at-large bid to the National Invitation Tournament on Sunday, keeping their season alive after a solid late surge.[1][2] They now prepare for a challenging first-round road game against the UC Irvine Anteaters on Tuesday at 8 p.m. Pacific time at the Bren Events Center in Irvine, California.[2] The matchup, broadcast nationally on ESPNU, offers the Rebels a chance to build momentum under first-year head coach Josh Pastner.[3]
A Gritty Finish Propels UNLV into Postseason
The Runnin’ Rebels wrapped up the regular season with a 17-16 overall record and went 12-10 in Mountain West Conference play.[1] They showed resilience by winning seven of their final 11 games, including a first-round victory over Wyoming in the MWC Tournament before falling 80-60 to top-seeded Utah State in the quarterfinals at the Thomas & Mack Center.[2]
This marks UNLV’s second NIT appearance in three seasons, following a quarterfinal run in 2024 that ended their long postseason drought since the 2013 NCAA Tournament.[1] The program holds a 10-12 all-time record in 12 NIT trips, with their deepest advancement coming in 1980 when they reached the semifinals. Head coach Josh Pastner expressed enthusiasm about the opportunity. “We’re excited to receive an invitation to the NIT and grateful for the opportunity to continue our season,” Pastner said. “Any time you get the chance to keep competing with your group, it’s something you appreciate. For us, especially in our first year building this program, it’s a great chance to continue our positive trajectory toward our larger goals.”[1]
Anteaters Ride Big West Dominance into NIT Hosting Role
UC Irvine enters as the No. 4 seed in the Tulsa Region after posting a 23-11 record and claiming the Big West regular-season title for the third time in four years with a 15-5 conference mark.[3] The Anteaters reached the Big West Tournament championship game but lost to Hawaii, securing their fourth straight postseason berth under veteran coach Russell Turner.[3]
Last season, UC Irvine made a strong NIT showing, going 4-1 and advancing to the championship game before a narrow 85-84 overtime defeat to Chattanooga. The team now hosts at the Bren Events Center, where tickets went on sale Monday. Standouts like Jurian Dixon, averaging 15.9 points per game, and Kyle Evans at 12 points, have fueled their efficient offense that ranks among the nation’s better units.[4]
Rebels Hold Historical Upper Hand in Rare Renewed Rivalry
UNLV dominates the all-time series against UC Irvine with a 32-9 record, a legacy from their shared Big West Conference days between 1982 and 1996.[1] The teams last met on November 28, 2012, when the Rebels cruised to an 85-57 victory in Las Vegas. An intriguing subplot involves former Anteater Myles Che, who transferred to UNLV but sat out the season due to a foot injury sustained in the offseason.
| Team Comparison | Overall Record | Conf. Record |
|---|---|---|
| UNLV Rebels | 17-16 | 12-10 MWC |
| UC Irvine Anteaters | 23-11 | 15-5 Big West |
Navigating the NIT Path: High Stakes in Tulsa Region
The winner of Tuesday’s contest advances to face the victor of No. 1 seed Tulsa versus Stephen F. Austin in the second round on March 21 or 22, with the site still to be determined.[1] Quarterfinals follow on March 24-25, leading to semifinals on April 2 at Hinkle Fieldhouse in Indianapolis and the championship on April 5 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.
- UNLV ranks second in the MWC with 9.8 offensive rebounds per game, led by Emmanuel Stephen’s 2.2 average.[5]
- UC Irvine boasts a balanced attack, with recent heroics like Hunter Hernandez’s 41-point game against Cal Poly.
- The Rebels’ late-season surge contrasts with the Anteaters’ consistent conference dominance.
- Both squads bring postseason experience, setting up a tactical battle on the road for UNLV.
Key Takeaways
- UNLV (17-16) seeks to replicate 2024 NIT quarterfinal success against a 23-11 UC Irvine squad.
- Rebels lead series 32-9; last win in 2012 by 28 points.
- Tipoff: 8 p.m. PT Tuesday on ESPNU from Bren Events Center.
UNLV’s NIT bid represents more than an extra game—it’s a platform to solidify Pastner’s vision amid a crowded Mountain West postseason field that includes four other conference teams. As the Rebels hit the road, their focus remains on execution and extending the run. What do you predict for this NIT opener? Tell us in the comments.
