Rebels Eye Revenge After Early-Season Blowout (Image Credits: Pixabay)
Las Vegas – The Mountain West men’s basketball tournament launches Wednesday with No. 8 seed UNLV hosting No. 9 Wyoming at the Thomas & Mack Center.[1][2]
Rebels Eye Revenge After Early-Season Blowout
UNLV enters the postseason with momentum after securing six wins in their last nine games. The Runnin’ Rebels posted back-to-back triumphs before a narrow 89-86 road defeat to San Diego State. They averaged 80.2 points per game during conference play.[1]
Wyoming arrives on a hot streak, claiming three consecutive victories and five of their past six outings. The Cowboys rank 34th nationally in bench production at 29.3 points per game. Their rebounding prowess stands out, as they lead the conference with nearly 12 offensive boards per contest.[3]
The teams met once this season, with Wyoming dominating 98-66 in Laramie on January 6. The Cowboys shot 63 percent from the field and built a 48-26 halftime lead. UNLV now plays on its home floor in this neutral-site tournament setting.
Game Time and Tournament Stakes
The tipoff occurs at 12:00 p.m. PT, marking the first of four first-round contests at the Thomas & Mack Center. The full opening slate includes Nevada versus Air Force at 2:30 p.m. PT, Colorado State against Fresno State at 6:00 p.m. PT, and Boise State facing San José State at 8:30 p.m. PT.[2]
The victor advances to Thursday’s quarterfinals against top-seeded Utah State at noon PT on CBS Sports Network. The tournament runs through Saturday, March 14, with the champion earning an automatic NCAA Tournament bid.
Key Players Powering Each Squad
UNLV relies on a balanced attack led by standout guard Dra Gibbs-Lawhorn, who averages 21.0 points per game and tops the Mountain West in scoring. Freshman forward Tyrin Jones contributes 11.9 points and leads the conference in blocks with 56 on the season. Senior forward Kimani Hamilton adds 12.6 points, while Howie Fleming Jr. handles rebounding and playmaking duties.
- Dra Gibbs-Lawhorn (Jr., G): 21.0 ppg, 1.7 spg[1]
- Tyrin Jones (Fr., F): 11.9 ppg, 2.0 bpg[1]
- Kimani Hamilton (Sr., F): 12.6 ppg[1]
- Howie Fleming Jr. (R-Sr., G): 9.2 ppg, 6.3 rpg, 3.9 apg[1]
Wyoming counters with four double-figure scorers. Guard Leland Walker paces the team at 13.8 points and 3.6 assists per game. Khaden Bennett leads in rebounding at five per contest, while Nasir Meyer and Damarion Dennis provide scoring punch.
| Team | Overall Record | MW Record | Seed |
|---|---|---|---|
| UNLV | 16-15 | 11-9 | 8 |
| Wyoming | 18-13 | 9-11 | 9 |
Broadcast Options for Fans
Fans can stream the matchup live on the Mountain West Network via the conference website or app. UNLV’s radio coverage airs on ESPN Radio 1100 AM, featuring Matt Neverett, Curtis Terry, and Steve Cofield. Wyoming listeners tune into the Cowboy Sports Network across 26 affiliates with Keith Kelley and Kevin McKinney.[1][3]
Live stats and additional streaming links appear on UNLVRebels.com, GoWyo.com, and the Mountain West site. Nevada Sports Net carries select tournament games, though this opener streams primarily on MWN.[4]
Key Takeaways
- UNLV boasts scoring depth and home-court energy but must overcome a prior 32-point loss.
- Wyoming’s rebounding edge and recent wins make them dangerous underdogs.
- Watch on Mountain West Network at noon PT for the live action.
This first-round clash sets the tone for a competitive tournament in Las Vegas. Both teams bring recent form and motivation into the fray, promising an intense battle for advancement. What do you think about it? Tell us in the comments.
