LAS VEGAS (Interstat) — In a game defined by a breathtaking individual performance and a final, frantic sequence, UNLV edged rival Nevada 85-83 in overtime Saturday night in a Mountain West Conference men’s basketball thriller at Thomas & Mack Center.

The Runnin’ Rebels secured the victory when Tyrin Jones converted a layup off a feed from Howie Fleming with 12 seconds remaining in the extra period, capping a back-and-forth final minute that saw the lead change hands three times.

The game’s defining narrative, however, was the spectacular 42-point eruption by UNLV guard Dra Gibbs-Lawhorn. The sophomore from Lafayette, Indiana, delivered a career-high performance, shooting 14 of 29 from the field and hitting 8 of 19 from three-point range while playing all but three minutes of the contest. His scoring barrage was essential in countering Nevada’s efficient offense, led by Vaughn Weems’s 30 points.

The contest was a tense, physical affair from the outset, featuring 16 lead changes and 10 ties. Neither team led by more than seven points. Nevada held a narrow 37-35 edge at halftime, but UNLV managed to force overtime by closing regulation on a 7-2 run. Gibbs-Lawhorn hit a critical three-pointer with 37 seconds left to tie the game at 74, and Nevada’s Elijah Price committed an offensive foul on the ensuing possession, giving UNLV a final shot that ultimately missed.

In overtime, the stars continued to shine. Gibbs-Lawhorn opened the period with another three, and Weems answered with a driving layup to keep Nevada close. After a Walter Brown layup put UNLV up 83-81, Nevada’s Tyler Rolison calmly sank two free throws to knot the score again with 33 seconds left, setting the stage for the final sequence.

Following a timeout, UNLV ran a set that freed Jones cutting to the basket. Fleming found him for the go-ahead score. Nevada had one last chance, but a rushed three-point attempt by Rolison as time expired was off the mark, sealing the victory for the home team.

Beyond the starring guards, the game was a battle of contrasting styles. Nevada, which fell to 19-10 overall, was more efficient from the field and the three-point line but was hampered by 13 turnovers and a 26-for-36 performance at the free-throw line. UNLV, which improved to 15-14, won the battle inside, outrebounding the Wolf Pack 42-35, blocking seven shots, and scoring 13 second-chance points.

Tayshawn Comer added 15 points for Nevada, while Elijah Price contributed 10 points and two blocks. For UNLV, Jacob Bannarbie scored 15 points and Jones finished with 12 points and four blocks, including several crucial denials in the paint. Fleming orchestrated the offense with seven assists.

The victory avenges a 13-point loss for UNLV in Reno just four weeks prior and provides a significant boost to the Rebels’ late-season momentum. For Nevada, the narrow defeat on the road represents a missed opportunity to solidify its postseason resume.

Both teams continue conference play next week. UNLV hosts Utah State on Tuesday, while Nevada travels to face Wyoming.