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The Miracle in Boise: Why UNLV Basketball Is Suddenly the Hottest Topic in Sports
The 23-Point Resurrection
It happened on February 13, 2026, inside the hostile ExtraMile Arena. The Rebels looked dead in the water, trailing 32-9 early and facing a 17-point deficit with under nine minutes to play. But what followed was a masterclass in grit. Led by the explosive scoring of Dra Gibbs-Lawhorn, UNLV went on a blistering 15-0 run that completely flipped the momentum. Gibbs-Lawhorn, who has become the team’s undeniable spark plug, dropped a career-high 36 points—the most by a Rebel since 2022—including a clutch game-tying three-pointer with seconds remaining to force overtime.
A Star is Born
Dra Gibbs-Lawhorn is the name on everyone’s lips. The junior guard transferred from Illinois looking for an opportunity, and he has seized it with both hands. His 36-point eruption wasn’t a fluke; he scored 25 of those points in the second half alone, single-handedly outscoring the entire Boise State team during a crucial 11-minute stretch. His heroics earned him the Mountain West Player of the Week honors on February 16, 2026, solidifying his status as one of the conference’s most lethal scorers. With Gibbs-Lawhorn firing on all cylinders, the Rebels have transformed from a bubble team into a squad no one wants to face in March.
The “Runnin'” Returns to Vegas
This victory didn’t just save a game; it may have saved the season. The “Miracle in Boise” extended UNLV’s winning streak to three games, catapulting them back into the thick of the Mountain West race. Social media has been ablaze with clips of the comeback, and the energy around the program is reminiscent of the glory days. Fans are buzzing, the Thomas & Mack Center is rocking again, and for the first time in years, there is a genuine belief that this team has the magic required for a deep tournament run. As they return home to face Colorado State, the message is clear: The Runnin’ Rebels are awake, and they are hunting.
