The UNLV Runnin' Rebels men's basketball program, under the guidance of first-year coach Josh Pastner, has received an invitation to participate in the prestigious National Invitation Tournament (NIT). While the team did not qualify for the NCAA Tournament for the thirteenth consecutive season, this postseason opportunity is seen as a significant step forward in the program's rebuilding efforts. Coach Pastner expressed enthusiasm for the chance to continue competing and to reinforce the positive direction the team is heading.
UNLV Gears Up for NIT Challenge Against UC Irvine
On Sunday, March 15, 2026, the UNLV Runnin' Rebels were officially announced as participants in the NIT. Their initial challenge will be against the UC Irvine Anteaters on , with tip-off scheduled for 8 p.m. local time. This will be UNLV's second NIT appearance in the past three years, having previously reached the quarterfinals in 2024 before being eliminated by Seton Hall.
The Anteaters, despite clinching the Big West regular season title, will enter the tournament with a sense of determination after a tough loss to Hawaii in their conference championship game on Saturday. The upcoming match will mark the first encounter between UNLV and UC Irvine since 2012, when a dominant performance led by freshman Anthony Bennett saw the then-24th ranked Rebels secure an 85-57 victory. The winner of this highly anticipated game will advance to the second round, where they will face the victor of the Tulsa versus Stephen F. Austin matchup. The location and exact date for the second-round contest, expected to be on or , are yet to be disclosed.
This NIT berth for UNLV underscores the importance of every competitive opportunity for young teams striving for excellence. It highlights how coaches and players can leverage such platforms to gain invaluable experience, foster team cohesion, and refine strategies, ultimately contributing to the long-term success and growth of the athletic program. For fans and the institution, it's a testament to resilience and an exciting prospect to witness the team's ongoing development.