UNLV Runnin' Rebels Seek Mountain West Redemption Against Boise State

After a devastating loss, UNLV looks to bounce back against the surging Broncos

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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The UNLV Runnin' Rebels men's basketball team has been one of the most volatile and unpredictable teams in the Mountain West Conference this season. After a heartbreaking collapse against Fresno State, UNLV responded with a win over Grand Canyon and is now preparing for a crucial road matchup against the No. 3 ranked Boise State Broncos.

Why it matters

UNLV's performance against Boise State will be a key indicator of whether they can make a deep run in the Mountain West Tournament. A win over the surging Broncos would help the Rebels regain their footing in the conference standings after the devastating loss to Fresno State.

The details

In their last game, the Rebels blew a 5-point lead with 6 seconds left against Fresno State, leading to a heartbreaking 80-79 loss. However, they bounced back with a win over Grand Canyon. Now, they face a tough road test against Boise State, who has been one of the biggest risers in the Mountain West power rankings after big wins over Nevada and New Mexico.

  • On February 8, UNLV lost to Fresno State in devastating fashion.
  • On February 11, UNLV defeated Grand Canyon.
  • On February 17, UNLV will play at Boise State.

The players

UNLV Runnin' Rebels

The men's basketball team of the University of Nevada, Las Vegas that competes in the Mountain West Conference.

Boise State Broncos

The men's basketball team of Boise State University that competes in the Mountain West Conference.

Matt Hanifan

A sports writer for Yahoo! Sports who recently ranked the UNLV Runnin' Rebels in the Mountain West power rankings.

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What they’re saying

“UNLV lost in the most impossible fashion to Fresno earlier in the week — leading by five (yes, FIVE) with six seconds left before five free throws, an impossibly bad inbounds miscue and a Jake Heidbreder game-winner sent the Runnin' Rebels home with one of the most improbable losses of the season.”

— Matt Hanifan, Yahoo! Sports Writer (Yahoo! Sports)

“Boise State was the biggest riser in this week's rankings, earning big wins over both Nevada (in overtime) and New Mexico (by one point!). Dylan Andrews has been subject to criticism for most of the season. But he played great in these two wins, scoring 25 points with six dimes against Nevada and followed that up by a 33-point effort over New Mexico. That's one way to silence any naysayers.”

— Matt Hanifan, Yahoo! Sports Writer (Yahoo! Sports)

What’s next

If UNLV can knock off the No. 3 ranked Boise State Broncos on the road, they could jump up as high as No. 6 in the Mountain West power rankings.

The takeaway

UNLV's matchup against Boise State is a crucial opportunity for the Rebels to regain their footing in the Mountain West Conference after a devastating loss to Fresno State. A win over the surging Broncos would go a long way in proving UNLV's ability to make a deep tournament run.