UNLV lost 98-96 at Fresno State, then nearly gave away a 15-point lead before beating Grand Canyon 80-78. I break down both finishes on the Feb. 9 Rebel Daily Drive.
At Fresno State, UNLV led by five in the final seconds and watched seven unanswered points end the night. Against GCU, it went the final 2:41 without a field goal and made six straight late free throws to hold on. I look at the possessions that let those leads shrink and why the trips to the line produced a different result against the Lopes.
Dra Gibbs-Lawhorn scored 29 while playing all 40 minutes against Grand Canyon, with Tyrin Jones out because of a shoulder injury and Howie Fleming Jr. unavailable with an ankle injury. Jacob Bannarbie supplied 15 rebounds and five assists. That work helped UNLV survive without two starters, even as 10 second-half turnovers gave Grand Canyon more chances to come back. We discuss how coach Josh Pastner can get more help around his main scorer and keep another late lead from depending on a perfect trip to the line.
The episode also looks at North Dakota State’s football-only Mountain West discussions as they stood when we recorded. The agreement was approaching an announcement. The Bison’s FCS success makes them an appealing opponent for UNLV, but the conversation asks whether their depth, annual spending and travel preparation can sustain a full FBS schedule. The entrance payments would be only the beginning of that work.
Watch the Feb. 9 episode below.