UNLV Stuns Grand Canyon in Thrilling 80-78 Upset

In a stunning turn of events, UNLV pulled off a monumental upset at the Thomas & Mack Center, defeating Grand Canyon 80-78. This victory marked a significant conference win for the Rebels, who were predicted to lose by 5.8 points according to CHD Scout. Instead, UNLV's Dra Gibbs-Lawhorn stole the show, scoring 29 points to propel his team to a thrilling two-point win.

At halftime, UNLV held a 10-point lead, with the score standing at 44-34. However, Grand Canyon refused to back down, mounting a fierce comeback in the second half. The Antelopes outscored the Rebels 44-36 in the final 20 minutes, but it wasn't enough to overcome the deficit. Nana Owusu-Anane led the charge for Grand Canyon, posting an impressive double-double with 19 points and 13 rebounds. Jaden Henley and Makaih Williams also made significant contributions, scoring 17 and 16 points, respectively.

Despite being outrebounded and facing a talented Grand Canyon squad, UNLV's offense clicked on all cylinders. Al Green and Kimani Hamilton provided crucial support, scoring 13 and 10 points, respectively. The Rebels' ability to spread the scoring and capitalize on key opportunities ultimately made the difference.

This upset win has substantial implications for both teams' tournament chances. For UNLV, the victory marks a Quadrant 2 win, a significant boost to their resume. With a current NET ranking of 149, the Rebels still face an uphill battle, but this win keeps their postseason hopes alive. On the other hand, Grand Canyon's loss could be a setback, as it falls under Quadrant 3. The Antelopes, currently ranked 67th in the NET, cannot afford many more slip-ups if they want to secure a favorable tournament seeding.

CHD Scout's pre-game prediction proved incorrect, as UNLV's performance defied expectations. The Rebels' win serves as a reminder that conference games can be unpredictable and that any team can rise to the occasion on a given night. As the season enters its final stretch, UNLV want to build on this momentum, while Grand Canyon will aim to regroup and refocus.

The outcome of this game will undoubtedly have a lasting impact on both teams' tournament resumes. UNLV's ability to take down a superior opponent will be viewed favorably by the selection committee, whereas Grand Canyon's loss may raise concerns about their consistency. As the conference standings continue to shift, one thing is certain – this upset win will be a pivotal moment in the Rebels' season.