LOGAN, Utah — In a game that will echo through the Mountain West for weeks, the UNLV Runnin’ Rebels flipped the script in Logan Tuesday night, rallying for an 86‑76 road victory over the Utah State Aggies that revitalizes UNLV’s conference title hopes and knocks some wind out of USU’s sails.
UNLV improved to 10‑8 overall and 5‑2 in Mountain West play with a performance fueled by star guard play and a second‑half surge that the Aggies couldn’t match. Utah State, now 15‑3 and 6‑2 in league action, watched a tie game at halftime turn into a decisive win for the Rebels behind a balanced offensive attack.
The Rebels spread the scoring, but two names stood out: Tyrin Jones dropped 20 points with efficiency and steady aggression, while Dra Gibbs‑Lawhorn poured in 21, both players combining for more than half of UNLV’s needed points on the road. Their scoring helped UNLV dominate the second half, outscoring the Aggies 48‑38 after the break as UNLV found rhythm in transition and sustained pressure on offense.
Utah State didn’t fold quietly. Mason Faslev led the Aggies with 21 points of his own, drilling tough shots and keeping the home crowd engaged deep into the evening. Still, the Aggies couldn’t overcome the Rebels’ scoring balance and defensive adjustments that turned key possessions in UNLV’s favor.
For head coach Josh Pastner, Year 1 in Las Vegas keeps exceeding expectations. What felt early on like a middling resume has blossomed into a credible Mountain West contender. Pastner’s mix of tenacious defense and flexible offensive schemes has the Rebels not just in the hunt, but trending upward as the conference season matures.
Meanwhile, Utah State’s second straight loss — now a two‑game slide — casts a shadow on what had been a quietly strong start to the league slate. The Aggies’ early nonconference success and sharp play had them near the top of the standings, but consecutive setbacks remind everyone how treacherous conference basketball can be.
UNLV’s balanced attack, headlined by Gibbs‑Lawhorn and Jones, combined with a host of complementary contributions, underscores a team building momentum at the right time. In a league where almost any road win feels hard earned, this one ranks among the most meaningful all season.
The Mountain West remains one of the most entertaining and unpredictable conferences in the sport, and the Rebels are squarely in the thick of it. After Tuesday’s statement performance, one thing is clear: UNLV isn’t just alive — it’s dangerous.
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