The UNLV Runnin’ Rebels men’s basketball team achieved a significant milestone by winning their first Mountain West Conference road game of the season against the San Jose State Spartans. The final score was **76-62**, marking a pivotal victory for the Rebels as they improved their overall record to **9-8** and their conference record to **4-2**. In contrast, San Jose State fell to **1-6** in conference play and **6-12** overall.
This road win was particularly important for the Runnin’ Rebels, who have faced challenges in securing victories away from home. Following the game, head coach Josh Pastner expressed his pride in the team’s performance. “Really proud of our guys. Really great win. Winning is hard,” Pastner stated. He emphasized the difficulty of winning on the road and the need for his players to compete fiercely for every opportunity.
The Runnin’ Rebels showcased a strong offensive display, led by senior guard Howie Fleming Jr, who contributed **21 points**. Fleming shot **6 of 11** from the field and a perfect **6 of 6** from the free-throw line, also recording a team-high of **eight assists**, along with three rebounds and a steal. Other notable performances included Tyrin Jones with **12 points**, Kimani Hamilton adding **11 points**, and Dra Gibbs-Lawhorn scoring **10 points**.
On the opposing side, freshman guard Melvin Bell Jr was the standout for the Spartans, leading his team with **22 points** while also grabbing **eight rebounds**. He added one assist and one steal but could not prevent his team’s sixth conference loss.
Upcoming Challenge for the Rebels
The Runnin’ Rebels will now prepare to face the **Utah State Aggies** on their home court in Las Vegas. The game is scheduled for **Tuesday, January 16, 2024**, and will be nationally televised on FS1 at **23:00 UTC**. The Aggies are currently ranked **No. 23** in the country, presenting a formidable challenge for UNLV. A victory in this matchup would not only boost the Rebels’ standings but also serve as a significant statement about the team’s potential under Coach Pastner’s guidance.
As the season progresses, the Runnin’ Rebels aim to build on this momentum and solidify their position in the Mountain West Conference. The upcoming games will be crucial for their aspirations of a successful season.
