UNLV Survives Close Call Against Grand Canyon

Runnin' Rebels hold on for 80-78 victory after nearly blowing big lead

Published on Feb. 7, 2026

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UNLV's basketball team survived a close call against Grand Canyon, winning 80-78 on Saturday at the Thomas & Mack Center. The Runnin' Rebels built a big lead but nearly let it slip away, continuing their tendency to make things interesting down the stretch.

Why it matters

UNLV has struggled with late-game collapses this season, raising concerns about their ability to close out close games. This narrow victory over Grand Canyon highlights the team's ongoing issues with maintaining leads and finishing strong.

The details

UNLV jumped out to a large lead over Grand Canyon, but the Antelopes mounted a furious comeback in the final minutes to nearly pull off the upset. The Runnin' Rebels held on for the 80-78 win, but the close call exposed their continued struggles to put teams away when they have a comfortable advantage.

  • UNLV defeated Grand Canyon 80-78 on Saturday, February 8, 2026.

The players

Josh Pastner

The head coach of the UNLV basketball team.

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What they’re saying

“We accomplished the mission. We played the right way and at a high level, but we've got to find a way to finish stronger.”

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

What’s next

UNLV will look to build on this narrow victory when they face off against rival UNR next weekend.

The takeaway

UNLV's ability to close out games remains a concern, as they nearly let a big lead slip away against Grand Canyon. The Runnin' Rebels will need to work on maintaining focus and finishing strong if they hope to make a deep postseason run.