The UNLV Runnin' Rebels men鈥檚 basketball team will compete against Tulsa in the second round of the NIT on March 22, following a 75-72 victory over UC Irvine. With a record of 18-16, UNLV has won eight of its last twelve games and is led by head coach Josh Pastner in his first season at the helm. The Rebels' scoring offense averages 79.3 points per game, bolstered by standout players including Gibbs-Lawhorn, who leads the team with 20.4 points per game. In contrast, Tulsa, boasting a 27-7 record, aims to capitalize on their home court advantage after an overtime win in the first round of the NIT.

By the Numbers
  • UNLV averages 79.3 points per game; Gibbs-Lawhorn leads with 20.4 ppg.
  • Tulsa ranks 13th in the nation for three-point shooting percentage at 38.4%.
State of Play
  • UNLV enters the matchup with momentum after a close first-round win.
  • Tulsa has a strong home record of 14-2 this season, enhancing their competitiveness.
What's Next

Following the NIT second-round game, a potential advancing matchup would see UNLV face either a higher seed or a similarly ranked opponent in the tournament鈥檚 subsequent rounds, depending on the outcome of other games.

Bottom Line

The game presents a vital opportunity for UNLV to advance further in the tournament while testing their mettle against a formidable Tulsa team. Key performances from their leading scorers will be crucial for the Rebels to secure a win.