Full Breakdown
UNLV Rebels Aim to Break Losing Streak Against Boise State
1/13/2026, 10:02:23 PM
Current Struggles of UNLV Basketball
The UNLV Rebels are facing a challenging moment in their season, having lost two consecutive Mountain West Conference games. They will host the Boise State Broncos on Tuesday night at the Thomas & Mack Center, seeking to reverse their fortunes. The Rebels began their conference play positively with two home victories but have since faltered, suffering a significant defeat against Wyoming (98-66) and a narrow loss to Colorado State (70-62). Currently, UNLV holds a record of 7-8 overall and 2-2 in the Mountain West.
Performance Overview
UNLV's performance statistics reveal both strengths and weaknesses. The team ranks second in the conference for blocks, averaging 4.40 per game, and has shown prowess in steals, ranking second as well. However, the Rebels struggle with their 3-point shooting and are positioned in the middle tier for assists. Four players are contributing significantly to the scoring, with guard Dravyn Gibbs-Lawhorn leading at 16.2 points per game, followed by Kimani Hamilton (12.4), Tyrin Jones (10.9), and Issac Williamson (10.8). Notably, Jones is among a select group of Division I players averaging at least 10 points and two blocks while maintaining a shooting percentage of 60% or better.
Boise State's Challenges
The Boise State Broncos, with a record of 9-7 and 1-4 in the conference, are also experiencing difficulties, particularly on the offensive end. They have lost three straight league games, including defeats at home to Grand Canyon (75-58) and Utah State (93-68). The Broncos rank eighth in offensive performance and ninth in defense among the 12 teams in the conference. Their shooting percentage stands at a league-low 43%, and they are also last in field-goal defense at 45%. Despite these struggles, Boise State excels in rebounding, particularly on the offensive boards. Forward Drew Fielder leads the team in scoring with an average of 12.7 points per game, closely followed by Andrew Meadow at 12.3.
Implications of the Matchup
The upcoming game is crucial for both teams as they seek to regain momentum in the Mountain West Conference. UNLV's home advantage and their ability to block shots may play a significant role in the outcome. Conversely, Boise State will need to improve its shooting efficiency and overall offensive strategy to compete effectively against the Rebels.
Official Statements & Responses
UNLV head coach has emphasized the need for his team to improve their performance, stating, “We were bad. We were soft” following their recent losses. This sentiment reflects the urgency for the Rebels to regroup and perform better against Boise State.
What's Next
As the Rebels prepare for this pivotal matchup, both teams will look to address their respective weaknesses and capitalize on any opportunities presented during the game. The outcome could significantly influence their standings in the Mountain West Conference as the season progresses.
