LAS VEGAS — The UNLV Runnin' Rebels delivered a thrilling overtime performance Tuesday night, outlasting the Boise State Broncos 89-85 at the Thomas & Mack Center.
UNLV leaned on senior guard Dra Gibbs-Lawhorn, who poured in a career-high 33 points to lift the Rebels through a back-and-forth contest and into the win column. Gibbs-Lawhorn added six assists and five rebounds, accounting for several key baskets in regulation and overtime as UNLV improved to 8-8 overall and 3-2 in Mountain West play.
Boise State forced overtime in dramatic fashion when Drew Fielder drilled a contested 3-pointer with 0.3 seconds remaining to tie the game at 76 at the end of regulation. Fielder finished with 23 points to lead the Broncos, while Andrew Meadow added 11.
The extra session belonged to UNLV. Kimani Hamilton scored seven of his 16 points in overtime, including a pair of tough finishes in the lane, as the Rebels took control early in the five-minute period. Howie Fleming Jr. added 14 points, helping UNLV maintain pressure as Boise State struggled to generate consistent offense.
The Rebels' defense tightened late, forcing tough shots and limiting second-chance opportunities as the home crowd roared behind them. UNLV outscored Boise State 13-9 in overtime and made timely free throws down the stretch to seal the victory.
Boise State fell to 9-8 overall and 1-5 in conference play, extending its losing streak as it continues to search for momentum in the Mountain West race.
UNLV will look to build on the emotional win as conference play continues later this week, while Boise State aims to regroup in its next matchup.
