SportsUNLV Basketball
UNLV Men’s Basketball Suffers Upset Loss in Josh Pastner’s Debut
The Josh Pastner era at UNLV began with an unexpected setback as the Runnin' Rebels fell to Tennessee-Martin 86-81 at the Thomas & Mack Cent...
7 months ago
SportsUNLV Basketball
UNLV Basketball Advances in Mountain West Tournament
3 months agoUS
The UNLV Runnin' Rebels are making strides in the Mountain West Tournament, fueled by emerging players and strong coaching. After a shaky start to the season, the team is now showing signs of serious potential. This article recaps their recent victory and the factors driving their rise.
Key Insights
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UNLV defeated Wyoming 73-70 in the first round of the Mountain West Tournament.
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Kimani Hamilton led the Rebels with 23 points.
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Freshman Tyrin Jones and junior Dra Gibbs-Lawhorn have become key players.
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Gibbs-Lawhorn scored a career-high 42 points against UNR and was named Mountain West Player of the Week three times.
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Coach Josh Pastner praises the team's improvement and the fans' energy.
In-Depth Analysis
Game Recap
UNLV's victory over Wyoming marks a significant step forward after struggling in past conference tournaments. Kimani Hamilton's performance was crucial in sealing the win. The Rebels will now advance to the quarterfinals against No. 1 Utah State.
Key Players
The emergence of Tyrin Jones and Dra Gibbs-Lawhorn has transformed the team's dynamics. Jones has become a force on both ends of the court, while Gibbs-Lawhorn has established himself as a legitimate Mountain West Player of the Year candidate. Gibbs-Lawhorn's success is a direct result of Pastner's coaching style, which emphasizes belief in his players.
Coach's Influence
Josh Pastner's leadership has been pivotal in the team's development. Despite facing inconsistency and injuries, Pastner has managed to cultivate a winning formula. His ability to connect with players and instill confidence has been a catalyst for their growth. Pastner also lauded Lady Rebels coach Lindy La Rocque, calling her the 'gold standard.'
The Road Ahead
UNLV faces a tough road ahead in the tournament, with strong contenders like Grand Canyon, San Diego State, and Boise State. However, their recent win against Utah State demonstrates their potential to compete with the best in the conference. The tournament serves as a crucial recruiting stage, showcasing the program's progress and attracting future talent.
FAQs
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Q: Who was the top scorer for UNLV against Wyoming?
Kimani Hamilton led the team with 23 points.
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Q: Who are the emerging key players for UNLV?
Tyrin Jones and Dra Gibbs-Lawhorn.
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Q: Who will UNLV play in the quarterfinals?
No. 1 Utah State.
Key Takeaways
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UNLV's basketball team is showing significant improvement under Coach Josh Pastner.
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Key players like Kimani Hamilton, Tyrin Jones, and Dra Gibbs-Lawhorn are driving the team's success.
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The Runnin' Rebels have a chance to make a deep run in the Mountain West Tournament.
Discussion
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