The UNLV Runnin’ Rebels men’s basketball team is riding a wave of momentum as they enter the final stretch of the 2024-25 season. With three consecutive wins—including a gritty 52-51 road victory over Fresno State on February 20—the Rebels (14-12 overall, 8-7 Mountain West) have clawed their way back into conference relevance under fourth-year head coach Kevin Kruger.
UNLV’s defense has been the catalyst for its resurgence, holding opponents under 58 points in all three recent wins. Standout freshman guard Dedan Thomas Jr., averaging 15.6 points and a team-leading 4.3 assists per game, has emerged as a floor general alongside Jaden Henley (11.5 PPG). Jeremiah “Bear” Cherry anchors the paint with 6.1 rebounds and 1.3 blocks per contest.
The Rebels face a critical rematch against Colorado State (17-9, 11-4 MW) on February 22 at the Thomas & Mack Center. CSU dominated UNLV 84-62 in their January meeting, but Kruger’s squad has since tightened its defense and improved ball movement. A win would bolster UNLV’s chances of securing a top-five seed in next month’s Mountain West Tournament.
Historical context adds intrigue to this resurgence. UNLV basketball—once dubbed “Tumbleweed Tech” before its 1977 Final Four breakthrough—hasn’t reached the NCAA Tournament since 2013. The program’s glory days under Jerry Tarkanian (509 wins, 1990 national championship) and brief revival under Lon Kruger (2007 Sweet Sixteen) loom large as fans hope this year’s late surge signals a return to prominence.
