The UNLV men's basketball team has officially entered the National Invitation Tournament (NIT), set to face UC Irvine in the first round on Tuesday at 8 p.m. This marks their second NIT appearance in three years. Head coach Josh Pastner emphasized the team's excitement and commitment to building a successful program. UNLV has shown strong momentum, winning seven of their last 11 games, despite a recent setback in the Mountain West Tournament.

By the Numbers
  • UNLV has a 17-16 season record.
  • UC Irvine enters the matchup with a 23-11 record and a 15-5 mark in the Big West Conference.
State of Play
  • The match will be nationally televised on ESPNU.
  • This is UNLV's 12th appearance in the NIT with a historical record of 10-12 in the tournament.
What's Next

The winner of the UNLV vs. UC Irvine game will advance to face either Tulsa or Stephen F. Austin in the second round on March 21 or 22. The NIT Quarterfinals will occur on March 24 and 25, leading up to the semifinals on April 2 in Indianapolis.

Bottom Line

UNLV's engagement in the NIT poses a critical opportunity for the team to enhance its competitive edge and visibility while furthering its growth trajectory under new leadership.