The UNLV Runnin' Rebels' season ended with a 77-66 loss to Tulsa in the second round of the NIT. The team, missing key players due to injuries, struggled offensively in the first half, trailing 36-24 at halftime. Despite a strong start to the second half, UNLV could not overcome a prominent deficit, ultimately falling short as Tulsa outmatched them on the boards and capitalized on second-chance opportunities.

By the Numbers
  • UNLV was outrebounded 49-23 by Tulsa.
  • Tulsa converted 18 offensive rebounds into 16 second-chance points.
Yes, But

UNLV's performance was hampered by the absence of leading rebounder Howie Fleming Jr. and starting center Jacob Bannarbie. Though both teams were missing key players, Tulsa's ability to leverage their bench was crucial in the outcome.

State of Play
  • The Runnin' Rebels finished the season with an overall record of 18-17.
  • UNLV shot 45.8% from the field overall but struggled significantly from beyond the arc, hitting only 23.1% of their three-point attempts.
What's Next

As the season concludes, UNLV will focus on addressing areas of weakness in the offseason, particularly in rebounding and perimeter shooting. The coaching staff aims to build on the positives from this season while mitigating the impact of injuries in future campaigns.

Bottom Line

The Runnin' Rebels' second-round exit highlights the critical need for depth and improved rebounding as they transition into the offseason, setting the stage for potential changes and enhancements before next year.