Full Breakdown
UNLV Suffers Significant Home Defeat to New Mexico
1/28/2026, 1:10:35 PM
Game Overview
On January 27, 2026, the UNLV men's basketball team faced a disappointing defeat against the University of New Mexico at the Thomas & Mack Center, concluding with a score of 89-61. This loss marked UNLV's worst home defeat of the season and continued a troubling trend of back-to-back losses in Mountain West Conference play.
Performance Analysis
The game was characterized by UNLV's struggles, particularly in shooting. The Rebels failed to make a 3-point shot until midway through the second half, jeopardizing their NCAA record of 1,280 consecutive games with at least one 3-pointer. The streak was preserved when guard Al Green successfully made a 3-pointer with 11:46 remaining in the game. Despite this moment, UNLV's overall performance was lackluster, with head coach Josh Pastner stating, “We got our butts kicked. Thank the good lord we made a 3-pointer, and I thought Naas Cunningham gave us some good minutes. Other than that, we were terrible.”
UNLV's scoring was led by Issac Williamson and Naas Cunningham, each contributing nine points. The team struggled to maintain momentum, with fan-favorite freshman Tyrin Jones being substituted out early in the game after New Mexico established a quick 4-0 lead.
Key Players
Tomislav Buljan was a standout for New Mexico, leading the Lobos with 18 points. The Lobos improved their record to 17-4 overall and 8-2 in the Mountain West Conference with this victory, showcasing a strong performance against UNLV.
Official Statements & Responses
In the aftermath of the game, Coach Josh Pastner expressed disappointment in his team's performance, emphasizing the need for improvement. He acknowledged the significance of the 3-point streak but noted that the overall effort was insufficient.
Criticism & Opposition
Fans and analysts have criticized UNLV's recent performances, highlighting issues such as "empty possessions" and a lack of energy during games. The low-energy crowd during the New Mexico game reflected the growing frustration among supporters regarding the team's trajectory this season.
What's Next
Following this defeat, UNLV's record stands at 10-10 overall and 5-4 in the Mountain West Conference. The team will need to regroup and address its shortcomings as it prepares for upcoming matchups in the conference, aiming to regain momentum and improve its standing.
Verbatim Quotes
- “We got our butts kicked. Thank the good lord we made a 3-pointer, and I thought Naas Cunningham gave us some good minutes,” — Josh Pastner, Head Coach, UNLV
- “Hit a (expletive) three!” — UNLV Fan, during the game
