Full Breakdown
UNLV Basketball Stuns Boise State with Overtime Comeback
2/14/2026, 12:39:30 PM
Dramatic Rally from a 23-Point Deficit
The UNLV Runnin' Rebels achieved a remarkable comeback, defeating the Boise State Broncos 86-83 in overtime on February 9, 2026. This victory marks the second time this season that UNLV has triumphed over Boise State, having previously won 89-85 in a closely contested match on January 13. In this latest encounter, the Rebels faced a daunting challenge, trailing by as much as 23 points early in the game at ExtraMile Arena in Boise, Idaho.
Dra Gibbs-Lawhorn was the standout performer for UNLV, scoring a career-high 36 points, surpassing his previous best of 33 points. His performance was pivotal in the Rebels' comeback, as he scored 12 points during a critical 15-0 run that narrowed the deficit to just two points with under six minutes remaining in the game. Kimani Hamilton and Tyrin Jones contributed 13 and 12 points, respectively, while Drew Fielder led the Broncos with 27 points.
Key Moments and Turning Points
The game began poorly for UNLV, which allowed Boise State to establish a commanding 30-9 lead. The Rebels struggled with turnovers and defensive lapses, but managed to close the first half strong, reducing their deficit to 11 points by halftime. In the second half, Gibbs-Lawhorn's scoring surge was instrumental in shifting the momentum. He hit a crucial three-pointer to tie the game at 77 with just 30 seconds left, forcing Boise State's coach Leon Rice to call a timeout.
Despite a missed opportunity to win in regulation, the Rebels carried their momentum into overtime, where they outscored the Broncos 9-6. This victory extends UNLV's winning streak to three games, following a four-game losing streak earlier in the season.
Official Statements & Responses
UNLV's head coach Josh Pastner praised his team's resilience, noting the importance of their comeback in the context of the Mountain West standings. The Rebels entered the game with identical conference records as Boise State, making the win crucial for their positioning.
What's Next for UNLV
Following this thrilling victory, the Runnin' Rebels will host Colorado State at the Thomas & Mack Center on February 14, 2026. With Gibbs-Lawhorn averaging 18.7 points per game this season, the team looks to build on their recent success as they aim for a stronger finish in the conference.
