UNLV Rebels Defeat Fresno State Bulldogs 84-72
Saturday, December 20, 2025, 7:00 PM ET · Thomas & Mack Center
UNLV Rebels 84, Fresno State Bulldogs 72, 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 Fresno State Bulldogs vs UNLV Rebels?
UNLV Rebels beat Fresno State Bulldogs 84-72 at Thomas & Mack Center on December 20, 2025.
Who was favored in Fresno State Bulldogs vs UNLV Rebels?
UNLV Rebels were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -380 (about 79% implied). The favorite won.
The UNLV Rebels secured a solid victory against the Fresno State Bulldogs, winning 84-72 at the Thomas & Mack Center. This matchup was particularly noteworthy as it featured two teams with closely matched records, but UNLV managed to assert dominance in this contest. With this win, UNLV improved its overall record to 6-6, while Fresno State fell to 6-7.
In terms of recent form, UNLV entered the game with a record of 4-6 over their last ten games, but had been struggling with a one-game losing streak, having lost to Tennessee State Tigers 60-63 in their previous outing. The Rebels averaged 80.9 points scored per game but also allowed 82.6 points, indicating a need for improvement on the defensive end. Their home record stood at 2-3, showcasing a mixed performance at the Thomas & Mack Center.
Fresno State, on the other hand, had a record of 5-5 in their last ten games and was also on a three-game losing streak, having lost to Cal State Northridge Matadors 87-89 in their last game. The Bulldogs averaged 75.3 points scored while allowing 73.5 points. They struggled on the road, holding an away record of 0-2, which contributed to their difficulties in this matchup.
Historically, UNLV has had the upper hand in their recent meetings with Fresno State, boasting a 2-0 record against them in the current season. Their previous encounters included a narrow 52-51 victory on February 16, 2025, and a more decisive 87-77 win on December 29, 2024, both of which added to the confidence of the Rebels heading into this game.
In terms of injuries, the block does not provide specific details, but any absences could have influenced the dynamics of the game. The betting market, as provided by DraftKings, had UNLV favored by 8.5 points, with a total set at 159.5. This indicated that the expectation was for a competitive game, but the final score showed that UNLV not only met but exceeded those expectations.
The game conditions were conducive to basketball, with no adverse weather elements reported, allowing both teams to focus on their gameplay. Viewers were treated to a display of scoring prowess, particularly from UNLV, who managed to pull away in the second half. Key moments included free throws from players such as Howie Fleming Jr. and Dra Gibbs-Lawhorn, who contributed to the Rebels' late-game scoring surge.
As the game progressed, UNLV demonstrated their ability to capitalize on free throw opportunities, with Fleming Jr. making several crucial shots down the stretch to maintain their lead. The Rebels' ability to convert at the charity stripe was a significant factor in their victory, allowing them to extend their lead and secure the win.
Overall, this game highlighted the resilience of the UNLV Rebels as they overcame recent struggles to deliver a strong performance at home, while the Fresno State Bulldogs will need to regroup and address their recent slide as they continue their season.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | UNLV -8.5 | 159.5 o -112 / u -108 | Fresno State Bulldogs +300 · UNLV Rebels -380 |
Leaders
- PointsDra Gibbs-Lawhorn28UNLV Rebels
- AssistsJacob Bannarbie5UNLV Rebels
- ReboundsDra Gibbs-Lawhorn7UNLV Rebels
- PointsWilson Jacques18Fresno State Bulldogs
- AssistsZaon Collins7Fresno State Bulldogs
- ReboundsWilson Jacques11Fresno State Bulldogs
Recent form
UNLV Rebels
Last 10: 4-6Streak L180.9 scored · 82.6 allowed per game2-3 at home
- L60-63vs Tennessee State TigersDec 14
- W75-74at Stanford CardinalDec 7
- L65-80at Rutgers Scarlet KnightsNov 27
- L76-115at Alabama Crimson TideNov 26
- L67-74at Maryland TerrapinsNov 25
- W99-85vs Saint Joseph's HawksNov 21
- W92-78at Memphis TigersNov 16
- L93-102vs Montana GrizzliesNov 12
- W101-69vs Chattanooga MocsNov 9
- L81-86vs UT Martin SkyhawksNov 5
Fresno State Bulldogs
Last 10: 5-5Streak L375.3 scored · 73.5 allowed per game0-2 away
- L87-89at Cal State Northridge MatadorsDec 11
- L58-82at Arkansas RazorbacksDec 6
- L71-76vs Cal State Bakersfield RoadrunnersNov 30
- W76-53vs Pepperdine WavesNov 27
- W85-76vs LSU New Orleans PrivateersNov 22
- W80-78vs Stephen F. Austin LumberjacksNov 19
- W75-74vs Utah Valley WolverinesNov 16
- L73-78vs UC San Diego TritonsNov 13
- W82-62vs Long Beach State BeachNov 8
- L66-67vs South Carolina Upstate SpartansNov 6
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 | Fresno State Bulldogs | UNLV Rebels |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 27-64 | 28-49 |
| Field goal % | 42 | 57 |
| Three-pointers | 8-22 | 9-23 |
| Three-point % | 36 | 39 |
| Free throws | 10-13 | 19-22 |
| Free throw % | 77 | 86 |
| Rebounds | 31 | 30 |
| Offensive rebounds | 13 | 4 |
| Defensive rebounds | 18 | 26 |
| Assists | 17 | 20 |
| Steals | 7 | 10 |
| Blocks | 2 | 6 |
| Turnovers | 12 | 13 |
| Team turnovers | 0 | 1 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 17 | 14 |
| Fast-break points | 5 | 15 |
| Points in the paint | 36 | 36 |
| Fouls | 17 | 18 |
| Largest lead | 4 | 16 |
| Lead changes | 6 | 6 |
| Time in front | 18 | 74 |
How the scoring went
- 2nd Half43-45Jacob Bannarbie makes 21-foot jumper
- 2nd Half43-47Dra Gibbs-Lawhorn makes layup
- 2nd Half45-47Wilson Jacques makes layup (Zaon Collins assists)
- 2nd Half45-50Dra Gibbs-Lawhorn makes 24-foot three point jumper (Tyrin Jones assists)
- 2nd Half45-52Kimani Hamilton makes layup (Jacob Bannarbie assists)
- 2nd Half47-52Jake Heidbreder makes layup (Wilson Jacques assists)
- 2nd Half47-54Issac Williamson makes layup
- 2nd Half50-54David Douglas Jr. makes 22-foot three point jumper (Jake Heidbreder assists)
- 2nd Half52-54Jake Heidbreder makes layup
- 2nd Half54-54Wilson Jacques makes 8-foot turnaround jump shot
- 2nd Half56-54Wilson Jacques makes layup
- 2nd Half58-54DJ Stickman makes 0-foot tip in layup
- 2nd Half58-56Tyrin Jones makes 2-foot alley oop dunk (Dra Gibbs-Lawhorn assists)
- 2nd Half60-56Wilson Jacques makes 3-foot alley oop dunk (Bastien Rieber assists)
- 2nd Half60-59Kimani Hamilton makes 25-foot three point jumper (Emmanuel Stephen assists)
- 2nd Half62-59Wilson Jacques makes 11-foot hook shot (Jake Heidbreder assists)
- 2nd Half62-61Kimani Hamilton makes 1-foot dunk
- 2nd Half62-63Dra Gibbs-Lawhorn makes 2-foot dunk
- 2nd Half62-65Tyrin Jones makes 1-foot dunk (Emmanuel Stephen assists)
- 2nd Half64-65Zaon Collins makes layup (DJ Stickman assists)
- 2nd Half64-66Kimani Hamilton makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half64-67Kimani Hamilton makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half64-70Dra Gibbs-Lawhorn makes 25-foot three point jumper (Emmanuel Stephen assists)
- 2nd Half65-70Zaon Collins makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half66-70Zaon Collins makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half66-72Kimani Hamilton makes 2-foot dunk (Tyrin Jones assists)
- 2nd Half66-73Kimani Hamilton makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half68-73Zaon Collins makes layup
- 2nd Half68-75Tyrin Jones makes 6-foot jumper
- 2nd Half70-75Wilson Jacques makes layup (Zaon Collins assists)
- 2nd Half70-77Kimani Hamilton makes 9-foot jumper
- 2nd Half70-78Howie Fleming Jr. makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half70-79Howie Fleming Jr. makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half70-80Howie Fleming Jr. makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half70-81Howie Fleming Jr. makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half70-82Howie Fleming Jr. makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half70-83Dra Gibbs-Lawhorn makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half70-84Dra Gibbs-Lawhorn makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half71-84Zaon Collins makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half72-84Zaon Collins makes free throw 2 of 2
Win probability
Above the line favours UNLV Rebels, below favours Fresno State Bulldogs.
Venue
- Thomas & Mack CenterLas Vegas, NV
- Attendance6113
- OfficialsChad Barlow, Jason Phillips, Tommy Nunez
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- Michigan 5-star freshman Brandon McCoy Jr. (knee) to miss season
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