UNLV Defeats Fresno State in the Mountain West Opener
In a competitive Mountain West Conference opener, UNLV rode a standout scoring performance from Dra Gibbs-Lawhorn to an 84-72 victory over Fresno State on Saturday in Las Vegas. The Rebels improved to 5-6 overall and 1-0 in league play, signaling a strong start to their conference schedule behind a balanced offensive effort and disruptive defense.
Gibbs-Lawhorn Leads the Charge
Gibbs-Lawhorn poured in 28 points, providing the Rebels with a steady scoring presence throughout the game. He also contributed seven rebounds and three steals, showcasing his versatility as a guard who can impact the game on both ends of the floor. His ability to create offense off the dribble and knock down timely shots helped UNLV build and maintain momentum during crucial stretches.
Supporting Play from the Wing and Post
Kimani Hamilton added 20 points for UNLV, providing valuable scoring support on the perimeter and helping to diversify the Rebels’ attack. The combination of Gibbs-Lawhorn and Hamilton gave Fresno State multiple looks to contend with, forcing the Bulldogs into rotations that sometimes left UNLV open opportunities in transition.
Team Defense and Rebounding
Beyond the scoring, UNLV’s defensive effort played a key role in the outcome. The Rebels forced several turnovers and secured timely rebounds, limiting Fresno State’s fast-break chances and keeping the Bulldogs in a position where every basket required a concerted effort. The rebounding margin helped sustain UNLV’s pressure in the second half and contributed to a comfortable finish.
Fresno State’s Battle Throughout
Fresno State showed flashes of resilience, contesting shots and executing in stretches to stay within reach. However, the Bulldogs struggled to sustain offensive rhythm against UNLV’s defensive schemes, and several key possessions stalled in the late minutes. The experience gained in a tough conference opener will be a blueprint for adjustments as Fresno State looks ahead to the rest of the schedule.
What This Means Going Forward
For UNLV, the 1-0 start in Mountain West play is a welcome sign of promise, especially with Gibbs-Lawhorn and Hamilton providing reliable scoring options. The Rebels will look to build on this performance by maintaining defensive intensity and continuing to exploit mismatches on the wings and in the paint.
Final Thoughts
The 84-72 result reflects a well-rounded effort from UNLV, with leadership from their two primary scorers and contributions from across the rotation. The early conference victory gives the Rebels momentum as they navigate a competitive MW slate, while Fresno State exits with a learning experience that can fuel improvements in remaining matchups.
