Full Breakdown
Montana Grizzlies Upset UNLV Runnin' Rebels 102-93
11/13/2025, 12:08:25 AM
Game Overview
On November 11, 2025, the Montana Grizzlies achieved a significant upset by defeating the UNLV Runnin' Rebels 102-93 at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas. This victory marked Montana's first win over UNLV since 1964 and their first road win in November since 2017, breaking a seven-game non-conference road losing streak.
Key Performers
Montana's success was largely driven by junior guard Money Williams, who scored 30 points and provided eight assists, showcasing his offensive prowess throughout the game. Te'Jon Sawyer contributed 18 points and nine rebounds, while Kenyon Aguino added 15 points. The Grizzlies shot an impressive 55.4% from the field, including 37.5% from three-point range, and excelled at the free-throw line, converting 24 of 27 attempts (88.9%).
For UNLV, Dra Gibbs-Lawhorn led the scoring with 26 points, including 20 in the second half. Kimani Hamilton and Naas Cunningham also made notable contributions, scoring 16 and 13 points, respectively. Despite shooting 50.7% from the field, UNLV struggled defensively, allowing Montana to capitalize on their weaknesses.
Game Dynamics
The game was competitive from the outset, with both teams exchanging leads. At halftime, Montana held a narrow 47-45 advantage. The Grizzlies began the second half with a 10-0 run, extending their lead to 57-45. Although UNLV attempted to close the gap, Montana maintained control, ultimately leading by as much as 15 points during the second half.
Montana's ability to dominate the boards was evident, as they out-rebounded UNLV 38-31. This rebounding advantage, combined with better shot selection and free-throw efficiency, proved crucial in securing the victory.
Official Statements & Responses
Following the game, UNLV head coach Josh Pastner expressed disappointment in his team's defensive performance, stating, "When you score 93 points you've got to win the game. I was really disappointed with what we did defensively." He acknowledged the need for improvement as the season progresses, emphasizing the importance of learning from this loss.
Criticism & Opposition
Critics of UNLV's performance highlighted the team's defensive lapses and inability to execute their game plan effectively. Gibbs-Lawhorn noted, "We didn’t execute our game plan the way we were supposed to," reflecting the challenges faced by a team with many new players adjusting to a new system under Pastner.
What's Next
Montana improves to a 3-1 record and will return home to face Cal Poly on November 13, 2025. Meanwhile, UNLV, now 1-2, will look to regroup as they prepare for their first road game of the season against Memphis on November 16, 2025.
Verbatim Quotes
- “When you score 93 points you've got to win the game. I was really disappointed with what we did defensively. We were trying different things. We'll get better. That's our only option. It's a long season and we have a lot of games left. We have to get better all the way throughout November. Obviously, there were some things today we didn't get better at from Saturday, so we have to course-correct that. But we will continue to improve so that when we get to Mountain West play in mid-December, we are playing our best basketball at that point in the season.” — Josh Pastner, Head Coach, UNLV
- “We didn’t execute our game plan the way we were supposed to,” — Dra Gibbs-Lawhorn, Guard, UNLV
This game serves as a pivotal moment for both programs, with Montana establishing themselves as a competitive force in college basketball and UNLV facing critical adjustments as they navigate the season.
