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UNLV Runnin' Rebels Guard Dra Gibbs-Lawhorn: "I Had My Brothers With Me Tonight"
UNLV narrowly defeats Grand Canyon Lopes 80-78 in close home game
Published on Feb. 9, 2026
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The UNLV Runnin' Rebels men's basketball team escaped Saturday's home game against the Grand Canyon Lopes with a big 80-78 victory. Following the win, UNLV head coach Josh Pastner, star guard Dra Gibbs-Lawhorn, and surprise star Al Green spoke about the game.
Why it matters
The close victory over a tough Grand Canyon team is an important win for the Runnin' Rebels, who have dealt with injuries and a challenging record so far this season. Gibbs-Lawhorn's late-game struggles and the team's ability to rally around him highlight the close-knit nature of the squad.
The details
UNLV head coach Josh Pastner praised the Lopes' strong defense, saying it was a "real positive" that his team was able to score 80 points against them. Pastner acknowledged the team's recent foul trouble issues and injury struggles, noting the Rebels "weren't what we initially signed" due to "massive injuries in key spots." Gibbs-Lawhorn took responsibility for his late-game turnovers, crediting his "brothers" on the team for helping him through it. Teammate Al Green also had a big game, saying he felt "ready" and that it "translated" on the court.
- The game was played on Saturday, February 8, 2026.
The players
Josh Pastner
The head coach of the UNLV Runnin' Rebels men's basketball team.
Dra Gibbs-Lawhorn
A star guard for the UNLV Runnin' Rebels men's basketball team.
Al Green
A surprise star player for the UNLV Runnin' Rebels men's basketball team in the game against Grand Canyon.
What they’re saying
“Grand Canyon is a great team that came in today playing as well as anyone in the country. They are really good defensively. To be able to score 80 against them was a real positive for our offense. It was a great win for the Runnin' Rebels, and I am so happy to be able to win at home for our fanbase. And I'm really happy for our young men. They really earned that win. We have a quick turnaround now for our next game on Tuesday night.”
— Josh Pastner, UNLV Runnin' Rebels Head Coach (si.com)
“Towards the end of the game today, I kind of got out of character a little bit, and the whole game I was good. I was leading the team. I got shook up a little bit. So that's my fault. Luckily, I had my brothers with me tonight. They helped me. They kept my head high, and they helped us win this.”
— Dra Gibbs-Lawhorn, UNLV Runnin' Rebels Guard (si.com)
“I feel like I was (ready) tonight, and it translated.”
— Al Green, UNLV Runnin' Rebels Guard (si.com)
What’s next
The Runnin' Rebels have a quick turnaround, with their next game scheduled for Tuesday night.
The takeaway
Despite late-game struggles, the UNLV Runnin' Rebels were able to rally around each other and secure an important victory over a tough Grand Canyon team, showcasing the close-knit nature of the squad and their ability to overcome adversity.
