UNLV Uses Second Half Surge to Top Fresno State

On December 20, 2025 UNLV pulled away in the second half to defeat Fresno State 84 to 72 at the Thomas and Mack Center. Guard Dra Gibbs Lawhorn scored 28 points to lead the Rebels, with Kimani Hamilton adding 20 and Tyrin Jones contributing 18 as UNLV’s late defensive pressure and scoring run decided the game.

Fresno State was paced by Wilson Jacques, who finished with 18 points and 11 rebounds, and Jake Heidbreder, who had 17 points and 5 assists. The loss marked Fresno State’s conference opener and left the Bulldogs with a 6 and 6 overall record heading into the bulk of the Mountain West schedule. Box score and play by play are available via sports services and Fresno State athletics.

The game timeline followed a familiar pattern for mid December non conference and early conference play, with a close first half giving way to a decisive run after halftime. UNLV’s balanced scoring and increased defensive activity created separation while Fresno State struggled to match that second half intensity consistently. Stat lines show the Bulldogs relied heavily on Jacques on the boards and Heidbreder as the primary playmaker, but those performances were not enough to overcome the Rebels’ bench scoring and perimeter pressure.

For Fresno County the immediate implications are both sporting and economic. A 6 and 6 record at this point of the season reduces margin for error in conference play and increases the importance of home games at Save Mart Center for attendance and revenue. Local interest typically influences ticket sales corporate sponsorships and campus engagement, so early season results can affect short term budgets and community support for the program. The team’s performance also matters for recruiting and long term program trajectory in the Mountain West, where momentum during conference play can determine postseason opportunities.

Fresno State now moves into a stretch of conference match ups where adjustments on defense and bench production will determine the Bulldogs’ path. Coaching staff and players will need to translate individual scoring into consistent team defense and rebounding if Fresno State is to improve its record and reengage Fresno County fans during the league schedule.