UNLV basketball can't finish in falling at Colorado State

UNLV head coach Josh Pastner watches play during the second half of an NCAA basketball game between UNLV and Air Force at the Thomas & Mack Center Saturday, Jan. 3, 2026. Photo by: Steve Marcus

The UNLV basketball team allowed nine unanswered points to open today’s game at Colorado State. 

Coach Josh Pastner saw enough — he pulled all five starters.

The second unit responded with 10 straight points to give the Rebels a lead in a game that went back and forth until the final minutes. 

That’s when Colorado State closed on a 9-1 run to secure a 70-62 victory, handing the Rebels their second consecutive Mountain West conference loss.

The effort was better than Tuesday’s lackluster 98-66 defeat at Wyoming — but a loss nonetheless.

Issac Williamson, one of the reserves who sparked the rally, led UNLV with 14 points. Dra Gibbs-Lawhorn added 13 and AJ Green contributed 12.

The Rebels lost the rebounding battle, 34-29. It also missed 10 free throws and struggled guarding the 3-point line allowing Colorado State to make 9 of 21 attempts. 

UNLV (7-8 overall, 2-2 Mountain West) hosts Boise State Tuesday at the Thomas & Mack Center.