UNLV Runnin' Rebels host Utah State Aggies in Mountain West clash

UNLV looks to upset conference-leading Utah State on Senior Night

Published on Mar. 3, 2026

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The UNLV Runnin' Rebels (15-14, 10-8 Mountain West) host the Utah State Aggies (24-5, 14-4 Mountain West) in a key Mountain West Conference matchup on Tuesday night. UNLV is looking to pull off the upset on their home floor in the regular season finale, while Utah State aims to maintain their spot atop the conference standings.

Why it matters

This game features a contrast in styles, with the high-powered offense of Utah State taking on the scrappy, defensive-minded UNLV squad. The Rebels are fighting for a strong finish to the season, while the Aggies are looking to solidify their position as the top team in the Mountain West.

The details

Utah State comes in as the more dominant team statistically, averaging 83.3 points per game while shooting 50.5% from the field and 37.1% from three-point range. They also take care of the ball well, averaging 17.8 assists against just 10.7 turnovers. UNLV, on the other hand, has been more inconsistent but still puts up a respectable 78.4 points per game in conference play on 47.8% shooting and 38.6% from deep. The Rebels also crash the boards well and play disruptive defense, averaging 7.9 steals and 4.5 blocks per game.

  • This is UNLV's regular season home finale and Senior Night.
  • When these teams met earlier this season in Logan, Utah, the game was tied 38-38 at halftime.

The players

Dra Gibbs-Lawhorn

UNLV's leading scorer, averaging 29.7 points per game over his last nine contests.

Howie Fleming Jr.

UNLV's leader in rebounds and assists.

Tyrin Jones

UNLV's rim protector, averaging 12.4 points, 58.2% shooting, and 30 blocks in conference play.

Utah State Aggies

The conference-leading team, boasting a 24-5 overall record and 14-4 mark in Mountain West play.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

What’s next

The winner of this game will have a strong case for the top seed in the upcoming Mountain West Conference tournament.

The takeaway

This game features a clash of styles, with UNLV's scrappy defense and home-court advantage looking to upset the more dominant Utah State squad. The Rebels have the firepower and supporting cast to keep this one close, setting up an exciting regular season finale in the Mountain West.