UNLV Holds Off Wyoming Rally to Advance in Mountain West Tournament

Kimani Hamilton's late and-one and Tyrin Jones' game-saving block lift the Rebels to a 73-70 victory.

Mar. 11, 2026 at 10:33pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

UNLV built a big first-half lead, but had to hold off a furious second-half comeback from Wyoming to secure a 73-70 victory and advance in the Mountain West Tournament. Kimani Hamilton led the Rebels with 23 points, while Tyrin Jones had 6 blocks, including a crucial rejection in the final seconds to preserve the win.

Why it matters

This was a significant win for UNLV, as it marked the first time in 10 years the Rebels have beaten a Mountain West opponent other than Air Force in the conference tournament. The victory sets up a quarterfinal matchup with Utah State.

The details

UNLV jumped out to a 44-31 halftime lead, sparked by strong offensive and defensive play. But Wyoming stormed back in the second half, going on a 20-5 run to take the lead. UNLV responded with timely three-pointers from Walter Brown, and Hamilton's and-one play in the final minute proved to be the difference.

  • UNLV led 44-31 at halftime.
  • Wyoming opened the second half on a 20-5 run to take the lead.
  • With 34 seconds left, Gavin Gores gave Wyoming a 70-68 lead.
  • Kimani Hamilton's and-one with 24 seconds left put UNLV up 71-70.
  • Tyrin Jones blocked Damarion Dennis' potential game-tying shot in the final seconds.

The players

Kimani Hamilton

UNLV's leading scorer with 23 points, including the game-winning and-one in the final minute.

Tyrin Jones

UNLV's defensive anchor, recording 6 blocks, including the game-saving rejection in the closing seconds.

Josh Pastner

UNLV's head coach, who praised Jones' defensive impact and recognized the significance of the Rebels' first non-Air Force tournament win in 10 years.

Damarion Dennis

Wyoming's point guard, who led the Cowboys' second-half comeback but had his potential game-tying shot blocked by Jones.

Gavin Gores

Wyoming forward, who scored the go-ahead basket to give the Cowboys a 70-68 lead late in the game.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Tyrin Jones led the conference in shot blocking. It was the first time a guy in UNLV has led the league in the Mountain West Conference in shots blocked since the 14-15 season.”

— Josh Pastner, Head Coach

“They played a great defense on me in the second half. I even told the coach after the game, great defensive plan. That's the kind of gravity I draw.”

— Gibbs-Lawhorn

What’s next

UNLV will play Utah State on Thursday in the quarterfinal round of the Mountain West Tournament.

The takeaway

This hard-fought victory over Wyoming showcases UNLV's resilience and defensive prowess, as they were able to withstand the Cowboys' second-half surge and make the key plays down the stretch to advance in the conference tournament.