Tigers Edge Rebels in Close Contest
Saturday, December 13, 2025, 9:30 PM ET · Lee's Family Forum
Tennessee State Tigers 63, UNLV Rebels 60, 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 Tennessee State Tigers vs UNLV Rebels?
Tennessee State Tigers beat UNLV Rebels 63-60 at Lee's Family Forum on December 13, 2025.
Who was favored in Tennessee State Tigers vs UNLV Rebels?
UNLV Rebels were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -900 (about 90% implied). The underdog won.
In a tightly contested matchup, the Tennessee State Tigers narrowly defeated the UNLV Rebels with a final score of 63-60 at Lee's Family Forum. This game was notable not only for its close scoreline but also for the contrasting recent forms of both teams leading into the fixture. The Rebels entered the game with a record of 4-6, having won their last game against Stanford Cardinal 75-74. This victory snapped a three-game losing streak, but they had struggled overall, averaging 80.7 points scored while allowing 83.3 points in their last ten games. Their home record stood at 2-2, indicating a mixed performance at Lee's Family Forum.
On the other hand, the Tigers boasted a record of 6-4, though they were coming off a loss to Alabama A&M Bulldogs, where they fell 53-80. Prior to that defeat, Tennessee State had won three consecutive games, showcasing their ability to score effectively, averaging 80.1 points while allowing 76.2 points in their last ten games. Their away record was less impressive at 2-5, highlighting their struggles on the road compared to their strong home performance of 3-0.
The odds for the game, as provided by DraftKings, indicated UNLV as the favorites with a spread of -12.5 and a moneyline of -900, while Tennessee State was listed at +600. The total for the game was set at 161.5, reflecting expectations for a high-scoring affair given both teams' offensive capabilities.
In terms of previous meetings, the block does not provide specific historical context, but the current form of both teams suggested a competitive matchup. The Rebels had been inconsistent, while the Tigers were looking to bounce back from their recent loss and capitalize on their scoring potential.
Injuries were not mentioned in the block, so both teams appeared to be at full strength for this encounter. The conditions in the arena were typical for a December evening, with no extraordinary weather factors affecting the game.
As the game unfolded, it was evident that both teams were vying for control. The scoring plays highlighted a back-and-forth battle, with Travis Harper II making a pivotal three-point jumper to tie the game at 56 in the second half. The tension continued to build as Howie Fleming Jr. and Jalen Pitre exchanged crucial baskets, keeping the score tight.
Ultimately, it was Aaron Nkrumah's late layup and free throw that sealed the victory for the Tigers, pushing them ahead to a 63-60 lead. The Rebels, despite their efforts, could not find a way to reclaim the lead in the closing moments.
This game serves as a reminder of the unpredictability of college basketball, where any team can emerge victorious on a given night, especially in a matchup like this where both teams were eager to prove themselves.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | UNLV -12.5 | 161.5 o -108 / u -112 | Tennessee State Tigers +600 · UNLV Rebels -900 |
Leaders
- PointsDra Gibbs-Lawhorn13UNLV Rebels
- AssistsKimani Hamilton4UNLV Rebels
- ReboundsKimani Hamilton9UNLV Rebels
- PointsAaron Nkrumah12Tennessee State Tigers
- AssistsDante Harris5Tennessee State Tigers
- ReboundsAaron Nkrumah8Tennessee State Tigers
Recent form
UNLV Rebels
Last 10: 4-6Streak W180.7 scored · 83.3 allowed per game2-2 at home
- 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
- L58-70at Utah State AggiesMar 14
Tennessee State Tigers
Last 10: 5-5Streak L180.1 scored · 76.2 allowed per game2-5 away
- L53-80at Alabama A&M BulldogsDec 4
- W70-64at Chattanooga MocsNov 30
- W98-77vs Tennessee Wesleyan BulldogsNov 29
- W75-73at UNC Asheville BulldogsNov 25
- L60-89at Tennessee VolunteersNov 21
- L82-95at Western Kentucky HilltoppersNov 16
- W114-76vs Oakwood AmbassadorsNov 12
- L79-87at Belmont BruinsNov 9
- W101-50vs Fisk BulldogsNov 4
- L69-71at SIU Edwardsville CougarsMar 8
Standings
| Team | Overall | Games behind | In conference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tennessee State | 23-10 | - | 15-5 |
| Morehead State | 20-13 | - | 15-5 |
| Southeast Missouri State | 20-13 | 1 | 14-6 |
| UT Martin | 22-11 | 2 | 13-7 |
| SIU Edwardsville | 19-13 | 3 | 12-8 |
| Lindenwood | 18-15 | 4 | 11-9 |
| Little Rock | 12-20 | 6 | 9-11 |
| Tennessee Tech | 13-18 | 6 | 8-12 |
| Eastern Illinois | 13-20 | 7 | 8-12 |
| Southern Indiana | 7-23 | 11 | 4-16 |
| Western Illinois | 5-26 | 14 | 1-19 |
| 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 | Tennessee State Tigers | UNLV Rebels |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 28-60 | 19-51 |
| Field goal % | 47 | 37 |
| Three-pointers | 2-16 | 3-15 |
| Three-point % | 13 | 20 |
| Free throws | 5-13 | 19-32 |
| Free throw % | 38 | 59 |
| Rebounds | 39 | 36 |
| Offensive rebounds | 13 | 13 |
| Defensive rebounds | 26 | 23 |
| Assists | 12 | 7 |
| Steals | 11 | 12 |
| Blocks | 3 | 3 |
| Turnovers | 18 | 18 |
| Team turnovers | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 15 | 14 |
| Fast-break points | 8 | 16 |
| Points in the paint | 40 | 32 |
| Fouls | 26 | 15 |
| Largest lead | 4 | 9 |
| Lead changes | 7 | 7 |
| Time in front | 15 | 65 |
How the scoring went
- 1st Half24-29Travis Harper II made Free Throw.
- 1st Half25-29Travis Harper II made Free Throw.
- 1st Half27-29Travis Harper II made Jumper.
- 1st Half27-31Jacob Bannarbie made Layup. Assisted by Kimani Hamilton.
- 1st Half29-31Aaron Nkrumah made Layup.
- 1st Half29-33Dra Gibbs-Lawhorn made Layup.
- 2nd Half29-35Kimani Hamilton made Two Point Tip Shot.
- 2nd Half31-35Jalen Pitre made Two Point Tip Shot.
- 2nd Half31-36Walter Brown made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half33-36Kavien Jones made Layup.
- 2nd Half35-36Carlous Williams made Dunk. Assisted by Aaron Nkrumah.
- 2nd Half37-36Dante Harris made Jumper.
- 2nd Half40-36Aaron Nkrumah made Three Point Jumper. Assisted by Dante Harris.
- 2nd Half40-38Emmanuel Stephen made Dunk. Assisted by Tyrin Jones.
- 2nd Half42-38Kavien Jones made Layup. Assisted by Dante Harris.
- 2nd Half42-40Tyrin Jones made Layup.
- 2nd Half42-42Tyrin Jones made Dunk. Assisted by Al Green.
- 2nd Half44-42Khalil London made Jumper. Assisted by Dante Harris.
- 2nd Half44-43Howie Fleming Jr. made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half44-44Howie Fleming Jr. made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half44-45Issac Williamson made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half44-46Issac Williamson made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half46-46Antoine Lorick III made Layup. Assisted by Jabrion Spikes.
- 2nd Half47-46Antoine Lorick III made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half47-47Jacob Bannarbie made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half47-50Howie Fleming Jr. made Three Point Jumper. Assisted by Kimani Hamilton.
- 2nd Half49-50Carlous Williams made Layup. Assisted by Aaron Nkrumah.
- 2nd Half49-52Dra Gibbs-Lawhorn made Layup.
- 2nd Half51-52Carlous Williams made Layup.
- 2nd Half51-54Kimani Hamilton made Layup.
- 2nd Half53-54Travis Harper II made Jumper. Assisted by Carlous Williams.
- 2nd Half53-56Issac Williamson made Layup.
- 2nd Half56-56Travis Harper II made Three Point Jumper. Assisted by Dante Harris.
- 2nd Half56-58Howie Fleming Jr. made Jumper.
- 2nd Half58-58Jalen Pitre made Layup. Assisted by Travis Harper II.
- 2nd Half58-59Howie Fleming Jr. made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half58-60Howie Fleming Jr. made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half60-60Dante Harris made Layup.
- 2nd Half62-60Aaron Nkrumah made Layup.
- 2nd Half63-60Aaron Nkrumah made Free Throw.
Win probability
Above the line favours UNLV Rebels, below favours Tennessee State Tigers.
Venue
- Lee's Family ForumHenderson, NV
- OfficialsDaryl Gelinas, Scott Brown, Juan Corral
Elsewhere
- Carson Crawford, No. 46 in '27 class, commits to Arizona St.
- Tennessee's Ralph Scott to have knee surgery, out at least 6 months
- Men's NCAA basketball 2026-27 Way-Too-Early Top 25 rankings
- Transfers, recruits and roster moves for key men's NCAA basketball teams
- Michigan 5-star freshman Brandon McCoy Jr. (knee) to miss season
- With $6.5 million left on deal, UCLA fires AD Martin Jarmond