Preview: UNLV Runnin’ Rebels at UC Irvine Anteaters

LAS VEGAS (Interstat) — The UNLV Runnin’ Rebels look to snap a two-game skid when they visit the UC Irvine Anteaters in a non-conference men’s basketball matchup Tuesday night at the Bren Events Center.

UNLV (17-16) enters following an 80-60 road loss at Utah State on March 12, a game in which the Rebels struggled offensively. They will need a stronger performance against a UC Irvine squad (23-11) that has won seven of its last nine games despite a 71-64 home loss to Hawaii in its most recent outing on March 14.

The game features two of the region’s most dynamic guards. UNLV will rely on Kimani Hamilton, who is coming off a stretch of high-volume scoring. Hamilton averaged 19.3 points over a three-game span from March 3-11, including a 23-point, 6-rebound effort in a win over Wyoming. He was held to 11 points in the loss to Utah State.

UC Irvine counters with Jurian Dixon, who has been a consistent force. Dixon has scored in double figures in 10 consecutive games, averaging 18.1 points during that stretch. He posted 23 points in an overtime win over UC Davis on March 7 and dished out 7 assists in a victory over Cal State Northridge on March 13.

The Anteaters hold a significant edge in record and have been strong at home, going 14-4 in Irvine this season. Their defense, which allows an average of 68.2 points per game, will test a UNLV offense that has been inconsistent.

UNLV’s season has been marked by narrow results, with five of its last ten games decided by five points or fewer or in overtime, including an 85-83 overtime win over Nevada on Feb. 28.

Tuesday’s contest is a final tune-up before postseason tournaments are announced. UC Irvine seeks to bolster its resume, while UNLV aims to reach the .500 mark and build momentum.

Tip-off is scheduled for 7 p.m. PDT on Tuesday, March 17, 2026.