Colorado State Rams Edge UNLV Rebels in Close Contest
Wednesday, February 18, 2026, 11:00 PM ET · Thomas & Mack Center
Colorado State Rams 91, UNLV Rebels 86, final. Our NCAAB picks are sealed as a hash before kickoff and settled in public, losses included.
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Quick answers
Who won Colorado State Rams vs UNLV Rebels?
Colorado State Rams beat UNLV Rebels 91-86 at Thomas & Mack Center on February 18, 2026.
Who was favored in Colorado State Rams vs UNLV Rebels?
UNLV Rebels were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -155 (about 61% implied). The underdog won.
In an intense matchup at the Thomas & Mack Center, the Colorado State Rams triumphed over the UNLV Rebels with a final score of 91-86. This game was particularly noteworthy as it marked the Rams' third consecutive victory, enhancing their record to 17-10, while the Rebels fell to 13-14. The contest showcased the offensive capabilities of both teams, with the Rams averaging 69.6 points scored and 67.7 points allowed in their last ten games, while the Rebels had a higher scoring average of 80.3 points but allowed 81.7 points.
The Rebels came into this game riding a three-game winning streak, having recently defeated Boise State, San José State, and Grand Canyon. Their recent form has been characterized by a strong offensive output, particularly at home, where they averaged 84.0 points in their last five games, despite a defensive average of 84.6 points allowed. In contrast, the Rams had a more mixed record of 5-5 in their last ten outings, but they too were on a three-game winning streak, having secured victories against Wyoming, Air Force, and San José State. This performance has seen them average 68.4 points scored and 68.0 points allowed in their last five games.
At home, the Rebels held a record of 3-2 in their last five games, while the Rams struggled on the road with a 1-4 record. Historically, the Rams have had the upper hand in recent meetings, winning all three encounters this season and last, including a previous victory on January 10, 2026, where they defeated UNLV 70-62. This trend continued as Colorado State demonstrated resilience and skill in this latest matchup.
In terms of injuries, the block did not provide specific details, but both teams have had to navigate their respective challenges as the season progressed. The betting market, as reported by DraftKings, had the Rebels as 2.5-point favorites, with a total set at 147.5 points. The odds reflected a competitive matchup, with the home moneyline at -155.0 and the away moneyline at 130.0, indicating a close contest expected by the sportsbooks.
The game unfolded under typical conditions for February basketball, with both teams adapting to the atmosphere of the Thomas & Mack Center. Fans witnessed a high-scoring affair, with the Rebels pushing the tempo and attempting to leverage their home-court advantage. However, the Rams' ability to execute down the stretch proved decisive.
As the game progressed, key moments included free throws from Jase Butler and Dra Gibbs-Lawhorn, which helped the Rams maintain their lead in the final minutes. The scoring plays highlighted the Rams' composure under pressure, as they converted crucial free throws to extend their lead and ultimately secure the victory.
This matchup not only showcased the competitive nature of NCAAB but also emphasized the importance of momentum as both teams head toward the latter part of the season. The Rams will look to build on this victory, while the Rebels will need to regroup and address their defensive challenges as they seek to turn their season around.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | UNLV -2.5 | 147.5 o -110 / u -110 | Colorado State Rams +130 · UNLV Rebels -155 |
Leaders
- PointsDra Gibbs-Lawhorn31UNLV Rebels
- AssistsHowie Fleming Jr.5UNLV Rebels
- ReboundsHowie Fleming Jr.10UNLV Rebels
- PointsJevin Muniz20Colorado State Rams
- AssistsKyle Jorgensen7Colorado State Rams
- ReboundsRashaan Mbemba5Colorado State Rams
Recent form
UNLV Rebels
Last 10: 6-4Streak W380.3 scored · 81.7 allowed per game3-2 at home
- W86-83at Boise State BroncosFeb 14
- W82-75vs San José State SpartansFeb 11
- W80-78vs Grand Canyon LopesFeb 7
- L96-98at Fresno State BulldogsFeb 4
- L76-89at Nevada Wolf PackJan 31
- L61-89vs New Mexico LobosJan 28
- L71-82vs San Diego State AztecsJan 24
- W86-76at Utah State AggiesJan 21
- W76-62at San José State SpartansJan 17
- W89-85vs Boise State BroncosJan 14
Colorado State Rams
Last 10: 5-5Streak W369.6 scored · 67.7 allowed per game1-4 away
- W79-68vs Wyoming CowboysFeb 14
- W91-74at Air Force FalconsFeb 11
- W65-57vs San José State SpartansFeb 8
- L57-68at Wyoming CowboysFeb 1
- L50-73at San Diego State AztecsJan 29
- L61-65vs Utah State AggiesJan 24
- W81-52vs Air Force FalconsJan 21
- L73-79at Boise State BroncosJan 17
- L69-79at Fresno State BulldogsJan 14
- W70-62vs UNLV RebelsJan 10
Standings
| Team | Overall | Games behind | In conference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Utah State | 29-7 | - | 15-5 |
| San Diego State | 22-11 | 1 | 14-6 |
| New Mexico | 26-11 | 2 | 13-7 |
| Grand Canyon | 20-12 | 2 | 13-7 |
| Nevada | 24-13 | 3 | 12-8 |
| Boise State | 20-12 | 3 | 12-8 |
| Colorado State | 21-13 | 4 | 11-9 |
| UNLV | 18-17 | 4 | 11-9 |
| Wyoming | 18-15 | 6 | 9-11 |
| Fresno State | 13-19 | 8 | 7-13 |
| San José State | 9-24 | 12 | 3-17 |
| Air Force | 3-29 | 15 | 0-20 |
Box score
| Stat | Colorado State Rams | UNLV Rebels |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 32-54 | 30-58 |
| Field goal % | 59 | 52 |
| Three-pointers | 7-20 | 9-23 |
| Three-point % | 35 | 39 |
| Free throws | 20-27 | 17-23 |
| Free throw % | 74 | 74 |
| Rebounds | 29 | 29 |
| Offensive rebounds | 9 | 11 |
| Defensive rebounds | 20 | 18 |
| Assists | 22 | 12 |
| Steals | 5 | 6 |
| Blocks | 2 | 4 |
| Turnovers | 7 | 8 |
| Team turnovers | 0 | 1 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 1 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 1 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 14 | 7 |
| Fast-break points | 10 | 17 |
| Points in the paint | 48 | 42 |
| Fouls | 21 | 23 |
| Largest lead | 15 | 4 |
| Lead changes | 2 | 2 |
| Time in front | 89 | 7 |
How the scoring went
- 2nd Half53-50Tyrin Jones makes layup (Issac Williamson assists)
- 2nd Half53-51Tyrin Jones makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half56-51Jase Butler makes 25-foot three point jumper (Kyle Jorgensen assists)
- 2nd Half58-51Kyle Jorgensen makes layup (Jevin Muniz assists)
- 2nd Half60-51Rashaan Mbemba makes layup (Darnez Slater assists)
- 2nd Half60-53Kimani Hamilton makes 2-foot dunk (Howie Fleming Jr. assists)
- 2nd Half60-55Howie Fleming Jr. makes layup
- 2nd Half63-55Brandon Rechsteiner makes 24-foot three point jumper (Jevin Muniz assists)
- 2nd Half63-57Howie Fleming Jr. makes layup (Walter Brown assists)
- 2nd Half65-57Darnez Slater makes 14-foot turnaround jump shot (Brandon Rechsteiner assists)
- 2nd Half65-59Tyrin Jones makes 10-foot jumper
- 2nd Half68-59Carey Booth makes 23-foot three point jumper (Rashaan Mbemba assists)
- 2nd Half70-59Rashaan Mbemba makes layup (Darnez Slater assists)
- 2nd Half70-61Tyrin Jones makes layup
- 2nd Half70-62Tyrin Jones makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half70-63Tyrin Jones makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half73-63Brandon Rechsteiner makes 26-foot three point jumper
- 2nd Half76-63Jevin Muniz makes 25-foot three point jumper (Kyle Jorgensen assists)
- 2nd Half78-63Jevin Muniz makes layup
- 2nd Half78-65Dra Gibbs-Lawhorn makes layup (Howie Fleming Jr. assists)
- 2nd Half78-66Dra Gibbs-Lawhorn makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half80-66Augustinas Kiudulas makes layup (Kyle Jorgensen assists)
- 2nd Half80-68Dra Gibbs-Lawhorn makes layup
- 2nd Half82-68Augustinas Kiudulas makes 11-foot jumper (Brandon Rechsteiner assists)
- 2nd Half82-71Dra Gibbs-Lawhorn makes 22-foot three point jumper (Issac Williamson assists)
- 2nd Half84-71Augustinas Kiudulas makes layup
- 2nd Half84-74Kimani Hamilton makes 24-foot three point jumper (Dra Gibbs-Lawhorn assists)
- 2nd Half84-76Kimani Hamilton makes 4-foot jumper
- 2nd Half84-78Tyrin Jones makes layup
- 2nd Half86-78Darnez Slater makes layup (Jase Butler assists)
- 2nd Half86-80Dra Gibbs-Lawhorn makes layup
- 2nd Half86-82Dra Gibbs-Lawhorn makes 7-foot jumper
- 2nd Half87-82Jevin Muniz makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half87-83Dra Gibbs-Lawhorn makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half87-84Dra Gibbs-Lawhorn makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half88-84Jase Butler makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half89-84Jase Butler makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half89-86Howie Fleming Jr. makes layup
- 2nd Half90-86Jase Butler makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half91-86Jase Butler makes free throw 2 of 2
Win probability
Above the line favours UNLV Rebels, below favours Colorado State Rams.
Venue
- Thomas & Mack CenterLas Vegas, NV
- Attendance5312
- OfficialsMike Littlewood, Mike Reed, Amy Bonner
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