Fresno State Edges UNLV in Thrilling 98-96 Finish
Tuesday, February 3, 2026, 11:00 PM ET · Save Mart Center
Fresno State Bulldogs 98, UNLV Rebels 96, 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 UNLV Rebels vs Fresno State Bulldogs?
Fresno State Bulldogs beat UNLV Rebels 98-96 at Save Mart Center on February 3, 2026.
Who was favored in UNLV Rebels vs Fresno State Bulldogs?
UNLV Rebels were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -125 (about 56% implied). The underdog won.
In a nail-biting encounter at the Save Mart Center, the Fresno State Bulldogs triumphed over the UNLV Rebels with a final score of 98-96. This victory was especially significant for Fresno State, as they had lost their previous three meetings against UNLV, including a 72-84 defeat earlier in the season on December 21, 2025. The Bulldogs' win not only showcased their resilience but also marked a pivotal moment in their campaign as they sought to improve their record.
Fresno State entered the game with a home record of 11-11, having gone 4-6 in their last ten games. They were riding a one-game winning streak, having recently defeated the Air Force Falcons 79-62 on January 31, 2026. In those last ten games, they averaged 67.4 points scored while allowing 69.0 points. Their performance at home has been a mixed bag, with a record of 2-3 in their last five home games. In contrast, the UNLV Rebels came into the matchup with a record of 10-12, having lost their last three games. Their recent form showed a 5-5 record over the last ten games, averaging 74.3 points scored and allowing 73.7 points. UNLV's away record stood at 2-3 in their last five games, indicating a struggle on the road.
The odds heading into the game, provided by DraftKings, had UNLV favored by 1.5 points, with a total set at 153.5. The betting lines reflected the close nature of the matchup, with both teams having their strengths and weaknesses.
The game was characterized by a series of intense scoring plays, particularly in the second half. With the score tied at 96, a critical jumper from Jake Heidbreder, assisted by Bastien Rieber, secured the Bulldogs' victory. The final moments saw both teams exchanging free throws, with Rieber and Al Green contributing crucial points for UNLV before Fresno State sealed the win.
In terms of injuries, no specific players were mentioned in the block, but the overall health of the teams can often play a significant role in such tightly contested games. The conditions in the Save Mart Center appeared conducive for a high-scoring affair, as evidenced by the total points scored exceeding the betting line.
Viewers should have noted the competitive nature of the game, particularly how both teams responded to pressure in the closing moments. Fresno State's ability to execute under pressure, especially in the final plays, was a key factor in their victory. This game not only provided excitement but also showcased the determination of both squads as they continue their respective seasons.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | UNLV -1.5 | 153.5 o -105 / u -115 | UNLV Rebels -125 · Fresno State Bulldogs +105 |
Leaders
- PointsJake Heidbreder29Fresno State Bulldogs
- AssistsBastien Rieber4Fresno State Bulldogs
- ReboundsWilson Jacques7Fresno State Bulldogs
- PointsDra Gibbs-Lawhorn28UNLV Rebels
- AssistsDra Gibbs-Lawhorn4UNLV Rebels
- ReboundsHowie Fleming Jr.9UNLV Rebels
Recent form
Fresno State Bulldogs
Last 10: 4-6Streak W167.4 scored · 69 allowed per game2-3 at home
- W79-62at Air Force FalconsJan 31
- L57-68vs Grand Canyon LopesJan 25
- L74-83at New Mexico LobosJan 22
- W63-60vs Wyoming CowboysJan 18
- W79-69vs Colorado State RamsJan 14
- L52-71at San Diego State AztecsJan 11
- W70-55at San José State SpartansJan 7
- L65-66vs Nevada Wolf PackJan 4
- L63-72vs Utah State AggiesDec 31
- L72-84at UNLV RebelsDec 21
UNLV Rebels
Last 10: 5-5Streak L374.3 scored · 73.7 allowed per game2-3 away
- 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
- L62-70at Colorado State RamsJan 10
- L66-98at Wyoming CowboysJan 7
- W67-39vs Air Force FalconsJan 3
- W89-47vs La Sierra Golden EaglesDec 30
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 | UNLV Rebels | Fresno State Bulldogs |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 31-56 | 29-49 |
| Field goal % | 55 | 59 |
| Three-pointers | 9-23 | 8-15 |
| Three-point % | 39 | 53 |
| Free throws | 25-36 | 32-44 |
| Free throw % | 69 | 73 |
| Rebounds | 33 | 23 |
| Offensive rebounds | 12 | 6 |
| Defensive rebounds | 21 | 17 |
| Assists | 13 | 11 |
| Steals | 8 | 6 |
| Blocks | 3 | 0 |
| Turnovers | 19 | 15 |
| Team turnovers | 2 | 0 |
| Technical fouls | 3 | 3 |
| Technical fouls, total | 3 | 3 |
| Flagrant fouls | 2 | 1 |
| Points off turnovers | 15 | 19 |
| Fast-break points | 11 | 21 |
| Points in the paint | 38 | 36 |
| Fouls | 35 | 28 |
| Largest lead | 13 | 9 |
| Lead changes | 14 | 14 |
| Time in front | 81 | 17 |
How the scoring went
- 2nd Half73-67Jake Heidbreder makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half73-68Jake Heidbreder makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half76-68Walter Brown makes 22-foot three point jumper (Howie Fleming Jr. assists)
- 2nd Half76-70Jake Heidbreder makes layup (Zaon Collins assists)
- 2nd Half78-70Howie Fleming Jr. makes driving layup
- 2nd Half78-72Zaon Collins makes layup
- 2nd Half80-72Dra Gibbs-Lawhorn makes 21-foot jumper
- 2nd Half80-75Jake Heidbreder makes 25-foot three point jumper (Zaon Collins assists)
- 2nd Half82-75Dra Gibbs-Lawhorn makes driving layup
- 2nd Half82-76Zaon Collins makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half82-77Zaon Collins makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half83-77Dra Gibbs-Lawhorn makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half84-77Dra Gibbs-Lawhorn makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half86-77Dra Gibbs-Lawhorn makes 9-foot jumper
- 2nd Half86-78DeShawn Gory makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half86-79Bastien Rieber makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half86-80Bastien Rieber makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half87-80Kimani Hamilton makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half88-80Kimani Hamilton makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half89-80Al Green makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half89-81Zaon Collins makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half89-82Zaon Collins makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half89-83David Douglas Jr. makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half90-83Kimani Hamilton makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half90-84Zaon Collins makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half90-85Jake Heidbreder makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half90-86Jake Heidbreder makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half91-86Naas Cunningham makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half92-86Naas Cunningham makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half92-89Bastien Rieber makes 25-foot three point jumper (David Douglas Jr. assists)
- 2nd Half93-89Howie Fleming Jr. makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half94-89Howie Fleming Jr. makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half94-90Bastien Rieber makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half94-91Bastien Rieber makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half95-91Al Green makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half96-91Al Green makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half96-92Bastien Rieber makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half96-93Bastien Rieber makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half96-96David Douglas Jr. makes 32-foot three point jumper
- 2nd Half96-98Jake Heidbreder makes 14-foot jumper (Bastien Rieber assists)
Win probability
Above the line favours Fresno State Bulldogs, below favours UNLV Rebels.
Venue
- Save Mart CenterFresno, CA
- Attendance5557
- OfficialsMichael Irving, Amy Bonner, Kelly Pfeifer
Elsewhere
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- 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
Picks for NCAAB
NCAAB rules and settlement
These two, other days
- UNLV Rebels Defeat Fresno State Bulldogs 84-72Dec 20, 2025