Fresno State defeats UNLV 98-96 in unbelievable comeback finish

Bulldogs rally from 13 points down in final 1:33 to win on buzzer-beater

Feb. 4, 2026 at 3:15am

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The Fresno State Bulldogs trailed UNLV by as many as 13 points in the second half but rallied with a 7-0 run in the final seven seconds, including a game-tying 3-pointer with 1.5 seconds left and a buzzer-beating game-winner, to defeat the Rebels 98-96 in a wild finish that featured 62 fouls and several replay reviews.

Why it matters

The win keeps Fresno State in the hunt for a top-half finish in the Mountain West Conference, while UNLV falls further back in the standings. The dramatic comeback also showcases the resiliency of the Bulldogs and the unpredictable nature of college basketball.

The details

Fresno State trailed for nearly 20 minutes of the second half and were down 96-91 with 6.8 seconds left. But the Bulldogs were awarded two free throws after a UNLV flagrant foul, then tied the game on a 3-pointer with 1.5 seconds left. After UNLV threw the ball out of bounds on the inbound, Fresno State's Jake Heidbreder hit the game-winning jumper at the buzzer.

  • The game featured an unusual 8 p.m. PT weekday tip-off, two hours later than usual.
  • Fresno State trailed for 19 minutes and 59.9 seconds of the second half.
  • The Bulldogs were down by as many as 13 points in the second half.
  • Fresno State was down 96-91 with 6.8 seconds left before rallying to tie and win.
  • The game did not reach overtime and ended at 11 p.m. PT, over 3 hours after tip-off.

The players

Vance Walberg

Fresno State head coach with nearly 50 years of coaching experience.

Jake Heidbreder

Fresno State guard who hit the game-winning buzzer-beater shot.

David Douglas Jr.

Fresno State guard who made the game-tying 3-pointer with 1.5 seconds left.

Bastien Rieber

Fresno State player who made two free throws with 6 seconds left to keep the Bulldogs in the game.

Dra Gibbs-Lawhorn

UNLV starter who fouled out with 28 points but was later assessed a technical foul from the bench.

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What they’re saying

“In 48 years of coaching, I've never seen that. I've never seen that in my life. I'm glad we're on the winning end. I (tell) you about the basketball gods. I believe if you keep working hard, good things will happen. I believe they helped us today.”

— Vance Walberg, Fresno State head coach (VIP* Watch Coach Walberg's full post-game press conference)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.