UNLV Runnin' Rebels to face Tulsa in second round of NIT

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The UNLV Runnin' Rebels men's basketball team will face off against the Tulsa Golden Hurricane in the second round of the National Invitation Tournament (NIT) on Sunday at 4 p.m. The Rebels, who earned an automatic bid to the NIT after falling short of the NCAA Tournament, are looking to advance in the postseason tournament.

Why it matters

The Runnin' Rebels' appearance in the NIT is an important milestone for the program, as they aim to build momentum and set the stage for a stronger performance in the 2026-27 season. A deep run in the NIT could also help boost the team's profile and attract top recruits to the university.

The details

UNLV earned its spot in the NIT by finishing the regular season with a 19-13 record, including a 12-6 mark in Mountain West Conference play. The Rebels fell short of earning an at-large bid to the NCAA Tournament, but they will now have the opportunity to compete for the NIT championship. Tulsa, meanwhile, finished the regular season with a 20-12 record and earned an automatic bid to the NIT by winning the American Athletic Conference regular-season title.

• The UNLV Runnin' Rebels will face the Tulsa Golden Hurricane on Sunday, March 23, 2026 at 4 p.m. local time.
• The Rebels earned an automatic bid to the NIT after falling short of the NCAA Tournament.

What’s next

The winner of the UNLV-Tulsa matchup will advance to the quarterfinals of the NIT, where they will face the winner of the game between the Baylor Bears and the Utah State Aggies.