The UNLV Rebels faced their in-state rival Nevada for the second time this season on Feb. 28, looking for payback after a loss in the first meeting Jan. 30. This time, UNLV got it, knocking off the Wolf Pack 85-83 in overtime.
Dra Gibbs-Lawhorn Is “HIM”
This game could not have been any tighter, with both teams trading buckets and playing without hesitation. Nevada led by 2 at halftime, but UNLV found its leader when it needed one most.
Dra Gibb-Lawhorn went off for his first 40-point game of the season, finishing with 42 points, 4 rebounds and 2 assists while shooting 63.6 percent from the field. He also filled the stat sheet with 3 steals and 1 block, and he went a perfect 6-for-6 at the free-throw line. Time after time, he shows up when the Rebels need him most.
Aside from his historic performance, Tyrin Jones set the tone defensively with four blocks and two steals. Those stops mattered, and without them it is fair to wonder how the finish plays out. Jones also chipped in 12 points, 5 rebounds and 1 assist while shooting 45.5 percent from the field, continuing to show why he is one of the conference’s best two-way players.
UNLV stayed efficient all night, shooting 50 percent from the field. The Rebels also hit 42.1 percent from 3-point range and shot 65.5 percent at the free-throw line. With that balance on both ends, they made a statement about who the Runnin’ Rebels are.
The overtime win pushed UNLV above .500 at 15-14, and it could be the spark they needed. Next up is a Mar. 3 matchup against Utah State, and the Rebels will try to carry this energy into the next one.
UNLV Runnin Rebels: Dra Gibbs-Lawhorn Wasn’t Giving Up In The Hard Fought Loss
Jesse Vanderveer is a basketball reporter and writer for Dice City Sports. You can follow him on X via @JesseVanderveer22
