San Diego State Edges UNLV in Thrilling Finish
Friday, March 6, 2026, 10:00 PM ET · Viejas Arena
San Diego State Aztecs 89, 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 UNLV Rebels vs San Diego State Aztecs?
San Diego State Aztecs beat UNLV Rebels 89-86 at Viejas Arena on March 6, 2026.
Who was favored in UNLV Rebels vs San Diego State Aztecs?
San Diego State Aztecs were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -485 (about 83% implied). The favorite won.
In a tightly contested matchup, the San Diego State Aztecs triumphed over the UNLV Rebels with a final score of 89-86 at Viejas Arena. This game was significant not only for the close scoreline but also for the implications it held for both teams as they approached the end of the season. San Diego State, with a home record of 20-10, faced off against an away team that had a record of 16-15. The Aztecs had been struggling, entering the game on a two-game losing streak, while the Rebels were riding a two-game winning streak, showcasing contrasting forms leading into this pivotal encounter.
In their last ten games, San Diego State recorded a 5-5 record, averaging 74.9 points scored while allowing 69.0 points per game. Their recent form has seen them struggle, particularly at home, where they had a record of 4-1 in their last five games but were 1-4 in their last five overall. In contrast, UNLV's recent performance was more favorable, with a record of 6-4 in their last ten games and an impressive average of 84.1 points scored, although they allowed 80.8 points per game. The Rebels had a home record of 4-1 in their last five games, but their away record stood at 2-3, reflecting their mixed results on the road.
The two teams had met previously in the current season, with UNLV winning the most recent matchup on January 24, 2026, with a score of 82-71. Their history in the last two seasons showed a slight edge for UNLV, who had won two of the last three encounters, including a victory in the 2025 season. This backdrop added an extra layer of intensity to the matchup, as both teams were keen to assert their dominance in the rivalry.
In terms of injuries, the block did not provide specific details, but both teams were likely navigating the usual challenges that come with late-season play. The market had priced San Diego State as the favorites, with DraftKings offering a spread of -9.5, indicating a strong belief in their ability to win by a significant margin. The total was set at 153.5, reflecting expectations for a high-scoring game.
The conditions at Viejas Arena were conducive to an exciting matchup, with fans eager to support the Aztecs in their home venue. As the game unfolded, it was clear that both teams were prepared to fight for every point. The scoring plays highlighted the back-and-forth nature of the contest, with key moments such as Reese Dixon-Waters making critical free throws to keep UNLV in contention late in the game.
As the final moments approached, the tension mounted. San Diego State managed to maintain their lead through free throws from BJ Davis, who contributed crucial points to push the Aztecs to a three-point advantage. UNLV's Dra Gibbs-Lawhorn and Tyrin Jones made valiant efforts to close the gap, but San Diego State's defense held firm, ultimately sealing the victory.
This game showcased the resilience of the Aztecs, who, despite their recent struggles, found a way to secure a win in front of their home crowd. The close scoreline reflects the competitive spirit of both teams and sets the stage for what lies ahead as they prepare for the final stretch of the season.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | SDSU -9.5 | 153.5 o -105 / u -115 | UNLV Rebels +370 · San Diego State Aztecs -485 |
Leaders
- PointsBJ Davis30San Diego State Aztecs
- AssistsTaj DeGourville4San Diego State Aztecs
- ReboundsReese Dixon-Waters6San Diego State Aztecs
- PointsDra Gibbs-Lawhorn32UNLV Rebels
- AssistsKimani Hamilton6UNLV Rebels
- ReboundsHowie Fleming Jr.11UNLV Rebels
Recent form
San Diego State Aztecs
Last 10: 5-5Streak L274.9 scored · 69 allowed per game4-1 at home
- L77-86at Boise State BroncosMar 4
- L76-81at New Mexico LobosFeb 28
- W89-72vs Utah State AggiesFeb 26
- L74-83at Colorado State RamsFeb 21
- L63-73vs Grand Canyon LopesFeb 18
- W71-57vs Nevada Wolf PackFeb 15
- W88-54at Air Force FalconsFeb 8
- W72-63vs Wyoming CowboysFeb 4
- L66-71at Utah State AggiesJan 31
- W73-50vs Colorado State RamsJan 29
UNLV Rebels
Last 10: 6-4Streak W284.1 scored · 80.8 allowed per game2-3 away
- W92-65vs Utah State AggiesMar 4
- W85-83vs Nevada Wolf PackMar 1
- L67-80at Grand Canyon LopesFeb 26
- W91-66at Air Force FalconsFeb 21
- L86-91vs Colorado State RamsFeb 19
- 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
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 | San Diego State Aztecs |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 30-62 | 33-60 |
| Field goal % | 48 | 55 |
| Three-pointers | 10-23 | 10-25 |
| Three-point % | 43 | 40 |
| Free throws | 16-22 | 13-19 |
| Free throw % | 73 | 68 |
| Rebounds | 30 | 33 |
| Offensive rebounds | 8 | 7 |
| Defensive rebounds | 22 | 26 |
| Assists | 15 | 16 |
| Steals | 7 | 7 |
| Blocks | 3 | 6 |
| Turnovers | 9 | 12 |
| Team turnovers | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 14 | 13 |
| Fast-break points | 13 | 8 |
| Points in the paint | 40 | 38 |
| Fouls | 17 | 14 |
| Largest lead | 8 | 7 |
| Lead changes | 11 | 11 |
| Time in front | 25 | 59 |
How the scoring went
- 2nd Half53-50Tyrin Jones makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half53-53BJ Davis makes 23-foot three point jumper (Taj DeGourville assists)
- 2nd Half53-56Taj DeGourville makes 24-foot three point jumper (BJ Davis assists)
- 2nd Half55-56Kimani Hamilton makes 2-foot tip in layup
- 2nd Half56-56Kimani Hamilton makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half56-58BJ Davis makes driving layup
- 2nd Half56-60BJ Davis makes 18-foot jumper
- 2nd Half59-60Issac Williamson makes 26-foot three point jumper (Dra Gibbs-Lawhorn assists)
- 2nd Half59-62Tae Simmons makes layup
- 2nd Half59-63Tae Simmons makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half60-63Kimani Hamilton makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half60-65BJ Davis makes driving layup
- 2nd Half62-65Tyrin Jones makes driving layup
- 2nd Half62-67BJ Davis makes driving layup (Reese Dixon-Waters assists)
- 2nd Half65-67Walter Brown makes 24-foot three point jumper (Dra Gibbs-Lawhorn assists)
- 2nd Half65-69Magoon Gwath makes 1-foot dunk (Taj DeGourville assists)
- 2nd Half67-69Tyrin Jones makes layup (Howie Fleming Jr. assists)
- 2nd Half70-69Howie Fleming Jr. makes 24-foot three point jumper (Kimani Hamilton assists)
- 2nd Half70-72Reese Dixon-Waters makes 24-foot three point jumper (Taj DeGourville assists)
- 2nd Half72-72Dra Gibbs-Lawhorn makes layup
- 2nd Half72-74Pharaoh Compton makes driving layup
- 2nd Half74-74Kimani Hamilton makes layup
- 2nd Half74-77BJ Davis makes 24-foot three point jumper
- 2nd Half75-77Dra Gibbs-Lawhorn makes free throw 1 of 3
- 2nd Half76-77Dra Gibbs-Lawhorn makes free throw 2 of 3
- 2nd Half77-77Dra Gibbs-Lawhorn makes free throw 3 of 3
- 2nd Half77-80BJ Davis makes 24-foot three point jumper (Pharaoh Compton assists)
- 2nd Half79-80Dra Gibbs-Lawhorn makes driving layup
- 2nd Half79-82BJ Davis makes driving layup
- 2nd Half79-83Pharaoh Compton makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half80-83Tyrin Jones makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half80-84Reese Dixon-Waters makes free throw 1 of 3
- 2nd Half80-85Reese Dixon-Waters makes free throw 2 of 3
- 2nd Half80-86Reese Dixon-Waters makes free throw 3 of 3
- 2nd Half82-86Tyrin Jones makes layup (Kimani Hamilton assists)
- 2nd Half84-86Dra Gibbs-Lawhorn makes 1-foot dunk
- 2nd Half84-87BJ Davis makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half84-88BJ Davis makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half86-88Dra Gibbs-Lawhorn makes 0-foot tip in layup
- 2nd Half86-89Reese Dixon-Waters makes free throw 2 of 2
Win probability
Above the line favours San Diego State Aztecs, below favours UNLV Rebels.
Venue
- Viejas ArenaSan Diego, CA
- Attendance12414
- OfficialsKeith Kimble, Mike Reed, Randy Richardson
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These two, other days
- Aztecs Defeat Rebels in Strong PerformanceJan 24, 2026