UC Irvine Anteaters Host UNLV Rebels in NIT Matchup

Anteaters open as 2-point favorites in first-round NIT game

Mar. 17, 2026 at 1:34am

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The UC Irvine Anteaters (23-11) will host the UNLV Rebels (17-16) in the first round of the NIT on Tuesday, March 17, 2026 at the Bren Events Center in Irvine, California. UC Irvine is favored by 2 points in the matchup, with the total set at 151 points.

Why it matters

This NIT first-round game features two teams looking to extend their seasons after falling short of the NCAA Tournament. UC Irvine is seeking to defend its home court and advance in the postseason, while UNLV aims to pull off an upset on the road.

The details

In their last game, the UNLV Rebels fell to Utah State 80-60, shooting 40.7% from the field and 34.9% from three-point range. Dra Gibbs-Lawhorn led the Rebels with 17 points. The UC Irvine Anteaters are coming off a 71-64 loss to Hawaii, where Jurian Dixon scored 17 points. On the season, UC Irvine is shooting 46.4% from the field and averaging 77.4 points per game, while UNLV is scoring 79.4 points per contest on 47.0% shooting.

  • The game will be played on Tuesday, March 17, 2026.
  • Tip-off is scheduled for 7:00 PM Pacific Time.

The players

Dra Gibbs-Lawhorn

A key contributor for UNLV, scoring 17 points in the team's last game against Utah State.

Jurian Dixon

Led UC Irvine with 17 points in their most recent loss to Hawaii.

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What they’re saying

“We must be ready to defend our home court and advance in the NIT.”

— Russell Turner, UC Irvine Head Coach

What’s next

The winner of this first-round NIT matchup will advance to face the winner of the Clemson vs. Wichita State game in the second round.

The takeaway

This NIT first-round game features two teams looking to extend their seasons and prove themselves in the postseason. The home-court advantage and recent form of UC Irvine make them the favorites, but UNLV will look to pull off the upset on the road.