UNLV vs Tulsa - NIT Game 2 - 2026

Redline Fundraising at Franchise Sports Media

FSM Recap: UNLV vs Tulsa Golden Hurricane – Game 35 – 2026

www.FranchiseSportsMedia.com

UNLV Runnin’ Rebels (18-17) | Tulsa (28-7)

Key Takeaways: UNLV vs Tulsa – NIT Tournament

What was the final score of the UNLV vs Tulsa game?

UNLV found success scoring inside, finishing with 40 points in the paint and shooting 45.8 percent from the field, keeping them competitive early.

What was UNLV’s biggest strength in the game?

UNLV found success scoring inside, finishing with 40 points in the paint and shooting 45.8 percent from the field, keeping them competitive early.

Who led the scoring for UNLV in the UNLV vs Tulsa matchup?

Dra Gibbs-Lawhorn led UNLV with 29 points, while Tyrin Jones added 18 points and Issac Williamson contributed 10 points.

What secured the win for Tulsa?

Tulsa’s dominance on the boards and ability to capitalize on turnovers. The Golden Hurricane outrebounded UNLV 45–20 and forced 19 turnovers, creating key second-half momentum.

UNLV vs Tulsa at Reynolds Center - 2026 | Franchise Sports Media

Photo Credit: David Cook (@axion_shotz) for Franchise Sports Media

UNLV vs Tulsa: Game Summary

UNLV fell 77–66 to Tulsa in NIT play, struggling to maintain control after a competitive first half.

The Rebels shot 27-of-59 (45.8%) from the field and scored efficiently in the paint, but were limited from beyond the arc, shooting just 6-of-26 (23.1%) from three-point range.

Despite strong individual performances, Tulsa’s physicality and rebounding advantage proved to be the difference.

Dra Gibbs-Lawhorn led all scorers with 29 points, while Tyrin Jones added 18 points in the loss.

Tulsa was led by balanced scoring, with Ade Popoola and Miles Barnstable each scoring 16 points, helping fuel their second-half surge.

UNLV vs Tulsa: First Half

UNLV came out with strong offensive energy, executing efficiently and controlling the tempo early.

The Rebels built momentum through interior scoring and ball movement, taking a 24–36 deficit early but closing the gap to remain within reach heading into halftime (36–24 Tulsa lead).

Despite trailing, UNLV stayed aggressive offensively and showed flashes of control that kept the game competitive.

UNLV vs Tulsa: Second Half

Tulsa took control in the second half, using defensive pressure and rebounding dominance to create separation.

The Golden Hurricane outscored UNLV 41–42 in the second half while forcing turnovers and limiting second-chance opportunities for the Rebels.

UNLV continued to rely on Gibbs-Lawhorn and Jones for scoring, but struggled to string together stops and possessions.

Tulsa’s ability to control the glass and generate extra opportunities allowed them to extend the lead and secure the 77–66 victory.

UNLV vs Tulsa: What We Learned

UNLV vs UC Irvine at Bren Events Center - 2026 | Franchise Sports Media-3 — Photo Credit: Tanesha Towns (@taneshatownsphotography) for Franchise Sports Media

UNLV showed offensive capability, particularly in the paint, but struggled in key areas that define postseason success.

Rebounding, perimeter shooting, and ball security ultimately determined the outcome.

While the Rebels remained competitive through individual performances, Tulsa’s control of possessions and second-half execution highlighted the gap.

Dream HUB Online Creative Agency - Click to inquire

Key Statistics

UNLV Runnin' Rebels

Field Goals – 27/59 (45.8%)
3-Point Shooting – 6/26 (23.1%)
Free Throws – 6/13 (46.2%)
Total Rebounds – 20
Offensive Rebounds – 4
Defensive Rebounds – 16
Assists – 11
Blocks – 4
Steals – 9
Turnovers – 7
Fast Break Points – 6
Points in the Paint – 40

Leading Scorers

Dra Gibbs-Lawhorn – 29 points
Tyrin Jones – 18 points
Issac Williamson – 10 points

Tulsa Golden Hurricane

Field Goals – 27/58 (46.6%)
3-Point Shooting – 10/28 (35.7%)
Free Throws – 13/22 (59.1%)
Total Rebounds – 45
Offensive Rebounds – 16
Defensive Rebounds – 29
Assists – 16
Blocks – 0
Steals – 4
Turnovers – 14
Fast Break Points – 8
Points in the Paint – 32

Leading Scorers

Ade Popoola – 16 points
Miles Barnstable – 16 points
Romad Dean – 11 points

Franchise Sports Media. Las Vegas sports news about Las Vegas Sports teams.

– Payton Thomas – Franchise Sports Media

Follow Payton on Instagram: @life.of.pay

Click HERE Follow The Franchise on social media

The Franchise Photo Gallery

Click the button below to download Franchise photos from UNLV Basketball home games shot by the largest team of sports photographers in Las Vegas. Get wall art, canvases, photo books, and more, as well as digital high-resolution downloads for prints. Photography by RJ Forbus and Alon Sowell for Franchise Sports Media

Click here to view the Gallery

FSM Recap: UNLV vs Colorado State - Game 26 - 2025 | Franchise Sports Media2

FSM Recap: UNLV vs New Mexico - Game 20 - 2025 | Franchise Sports Media2

FSM Recap: UNLV Runnin Rebels vs Air Force - Game 13 - 2025 | Franchise Sports Media2

FSM Recap: UNLV Runnin Rebels vs Fresno State - Game 10 - 2025 | Franchise Sports Media

FSM Recap: UNLV Runnin Rebels vs Montana - Game 3 - 2025 | Franchise Sports Media

FSM Recap: UNLV Runnin Rebels vs Memphis - Game 4 - 2025 | Franchise Sports Media

Design custom apparel for your employees and customers with Staples Promotional Products

Buy, sell, or rent in the sports capital of the world!

Payton Thomas

I’m a 22-year-old former multi-sport athlete from the south suburbs of Chicago who’s been playing sports for as long as I can remember. I’m a journalism and media studies major at UNLV, with a double concentration in sports and social medias. Even though I’m not on the field or court anymore, my love for the game hasn’t gone anywhere. Reporting on sports and watching the action up close is a dream, and I’m excited to keep growing as a woman in the sports world.