UNLV Basketball Faces Crucial Mountain West Tournament Seeding Matchup at San Diego State

Rebels look to secure a first-round bye in the conference tournament with a win over the Aztecs in the regular season finale.

Published on Mar. 6, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

UNLV's men's basketball team will wrap up its regular season on Friday night with a crucial road matchup against San Diego State. The Rebels are currently tied for fourth place in the Mountain West standings with an 11-8 conference record, and a win over the Aztecs could secure them a first-round bye in the upcoming Mountain West tournament. UNLV is coming off a dominant 92-65 victory over conference leader Utah State earlier this week, led by strong performances from forwards Kimani Hamilton and Tyrin Jones as well as a triple-double from guard Howie Fleming Jr.

Why it matters

The outcome of Friday's game will have major implications for UNLV's seeding in the Mountain West tournament. The top four teams in the conference receive a first-round bye, and the Rebels are currently tied with several other teams for that crucial position. A win over San Diego State would give UNLV a strong chance at securing one of those coveted byes and an easier path to the tournament championship.

The details

UNLV has won two straight games and six of its last eight overall. In their previous matchup against San Diego State on January 24, the Aztecs came away with an 82-71 victory to end the Rebels' five-game home win streak. San Diego State has struggled of late, losing two straight and four of its last five games. UNLV will look to capitalize on the Aztecs' recent skid and secure the win that could vault them into the top four of the Mountain West standings.

  • UNLV will play its regular season finale on Friday, March 6, 2026 at 7 p.m. Pacific Time.
  • The Mountain West tournament begins on Wednesday, March 11, 2026 at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas.

The players

Howie Fleming Jr.

UNLV guard who recently recorded his second triple-double in 10 days, with 12 points, 10 rebounds and a career-high 12 assists.

Kimani Hamilton

UNLV forward who led the team with 24 points in their recent blowout win over Mountain West leader Utah State.

Tyrin Jones

UNLV forward who scored 17 points in the victory over Utah State.

Reese Dixon-Waters

San Diego State guard who leads the Aztecs in scoring with 13.0 points per game.

Miles Byrd

San Diego State guard who scored 23 points, with 5 assists and 4 steals, in the Aztecs' previous win over UNLV.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We must finish strong in our regular season finale to secure the best possible seeding for the Mountain West tournament. This game against San Diego State is crucial for our postseason positioning.”

— Josh Pastner, UNLV Head Coach (Las Vegas Review-Journal)

What’s next

The winner of Friday's game between UNLV and San Diego State will have a better chance of earning a first-round bye in the upcoming Mountain West tournament, which begins on March 11 in Las Vegas.

The takeaway

UNLV's regular season finale against San Diego State has major implications for the Rebels' seeding in the Mountain West tournament. A win would likely secure UNLV a top-four finish in the conference standings and a crucial first-round bye, giving them an easier path to the tournament championship.