UNLV Runnin' Rebels Defeat San Jose State Spartans at Home

Rebels bounce back with dominant performance in the paint

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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The UNLV Runnin' Rebels men's basketball team defeated the San Jose State Spartans 82-75 at the Thomas & Mack Center on Tuesday night. UNLV dominated the game in the paint, outscoring the Spartans 40-14 and out-rebounding them 43-34. Dra Gibbs-Lawhorn led the Rebels with 24 points, while senior forward Kimani Hamilton recorded a double-double with 23 points and 10 rebounds.

Why it matters

This was an important win for the inconsistent Rebels, who moved back above .500 in Mountain West Conference play. The victory could be a turning point for UNLV as they look to make noise in the upcoming Mountain West Tournament.

The details

UNLV head coach Josh Pastner was pleased with the team's performance, noting their improvement from the start of the season. The Rebels were dominant in the paint, blocking seven shots compared to just four for San Jose State. Gibbs-Lawhorn and Hamilton led the way offensively, with Hamilton also chipping in four assists. Tyrin Jones returned from injury to provide a boost off the bench, scoring 13 points on 6-8 shooting.

  • The game took place on Tuesday, February 11, 2026.

The players

Josh Pastner

Head coach of the UNLV Runnin' Rebels men's basketball team.

Dra Gibbs-Lawhorn

A key player for the UNLV Runnin' Rebels, leading the team with 24 points in the win.

Kimani Hamilton

A senior forward for the UNLV Runnin' Rebels, recording a double-double with 23 points and 10 rebounds.

Tyrin Jones

A UNLV Runnin' Rebels player who returned from injury to provide a boost off the bench, scoring 13 points.

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What they’re saying

“Good win for the Rebels. Winning is hard. I was really proud of our guys. I'm not happy with our win-loss record, but we have improved. From where we were at the beginning of November to where we are now, we are a better team. That's a testament to our guys.”

— Josh Pastner, Head Coach

The takeaway

This win could be a turning point for the UNLV Runnin' Rebels as they look to make a push in the Mountain West Conference tournament. The team's dominant performance in the paint and improved play since the start of the season suggest they are coming together at the right time.