Full Breakdown
UNLV Basketball's Unique Postgame Tradition: Gas Station Celebrations
2/25/2026, 1:42:25 PM
The Rise of a New Tradition
Under the leadership of first-year head coach Josh Pastner, the UNLV Runnin' Rebels basketball team has adopted an unconventional postgame tradition following road victories: trips to gas stations. This practice, which began during Pastner's tenure at Georgia Tech, has become a rallying cry for the team, allowing players to celebrate their wins by selecting snacks and beverages from local convenience stores. Following a recent 86–76 victory against Utah State, Pastner enthusiastically announced, “We get to go to a gas station!” highlighting the excitement surrounding this unique reward.
Performance on the Road
While the Rebels hold a 14-13 overall record and a 9-7 standing in the Mountain West Conference, their six wins in away games include notable victories against Stanford and Memphis. This road success has positioned them sixth in the conference, with aspirations for a first-round bye in the upcoming tournament. As the team prepares for a critical game against Grand Canyon, the prospect of indulging in gas station snacks serves as a motivating factor for the players.
The Snack Selection
The postgame gas station visits have become a source of camaraderie and enjoyment for the team. Players have been spotted choosing a variety of snacks, including Flaming Hot Cheetos, Bimbo Panqué, and Tampico Citrus Punch. Pastner acknowledges that while these treats may not significantly impact the players financially, they resonate with the youthful spirit of the athletes, who still find joy in simple pleasures like gummy bears and energy drinks. He humorously noted, “If we win a road game, all the people who own gas stations there should be rooting for us,” emphasizing the economic benefit of their visits.
Coach Pastner's Positive Influence
Local sports reporter Paloma Villicana, who has covered the Rebels for five years, remarked that Pastner is the first coach to implement such a tradition. She noted that the gas station stops serve as a morale booster for the team, particularly during a season marked by ups and downs. “It’s a fun vibe with Pastner,” she stated, underscoring the coach's positive influence on the players and the overall team atmosphere.
Conclusion
As the UNLV Runnin' Rebels continue their season, the gas station tradition not only celebrates their victories but also fosters team spirit and community engagement. With the upcoming game against Grand Canyon, the players remain focused on achieving success, with the promise of postgame snacks serving as a lighthearted incentive.
