UNLV Basketball: Rebels Gear Up for NIT Tournament Run

Despite a quarterfinal exit in the Mountain West tournament at the hands of Utah State, the UNLV Runnin’ Rebels have earned a bid to the National Invitation Tournament (NIT). Mendenhall Center was a hive of activity Monday as players and staff prepared for a last-minute road trip to face UC Irvine on Tuesday in the first round.

Unexpected Opportunity

First-year coach Josh Pastner wasn’t certain his team would receive a postseason invitation after the loss to Utah State. He refrained from making firm plans on Selection Sunday, opting to wait and see if the Rebels’ strong resume – including four wins against Quad 1 teams, a feat matched only by Gonzaga outside of power conferences – would be enough.

“My understanding was obviously that we weren’t going to be in the NCAA Tournament, but that the other tournaments really liked our wins,” Pastner explained. “They were comparing some of those things, and we were just waiting to hear… I didn’t know until the bracket came out.”

Player Reactions and Commitment

Guard Dra Gibbs-Lawhorn, the Mountain West’s leading scorer, was initially resting when the news broke. “I remember I was taking a nap, and I woke up with Coach Pastner calling,” Gibbs-Lawhorn said. “He said we were playing on Tuesday night, and that we were leaving today after practice. I love to play. I love to compete, just as Coach Pastner does.”

Despite potential transfer portal activity for Gibbs-Lawhorn and freshman forward Tyrin Jones, both players quickly embraced the opportunity. “They were like, ‘Let’s go win a championship, coach,’” Pastner recalled, noting the immediate buy-in from his team.

Logistical Challenges and Motivation

The quick turnaround presented some logistical hurdles. Freshman guard Issac Williamson, already in California for spring break, swiftly returned for Monday’s practice. Gibbs-Lawhorn faces a potential conflict with a family vacation to Florida should the Rebels advance. He joked about having travel insurance as a precaution.

Beyond the challenges, the team is motivated. Utah State credited UNLV for sparking their “revenge tour” in the Mountain West tournament. Now, UNLV aims to use that as fuel. “You can’t be laying in a fetal position and just want to stay down on the canvas,” Pastner said. “You’ve got to get up and fight back.”

Game Details

• Who: UNLV at UC Irvine
• What: National Invitation Tournament – First Round
• When: 8 p.m. Tuesday
• Where: Bren Events Center, Irvine, California
• TV: ESPNU
• Radio: KWWN (1100 AM, 100.9 FM)
• Line: UC Irvine -3; total 153

The UNLV Runnin’ Rebels are ready to compete and make a statement in the NIT. Stay tuned for updates as they begin their postseason journey.

Further Reading:

• NCAA Men’s Basketball – Official NCAA Basketball News
• ESPN College Basketball – Comprehensive coverage of college basketball