UNLV’s Pastner Era Starts Shockingly with Loss to Tennessee-Martin

The opening game of the Josh Pastner era at UNLV did not go as expected. The Rebels faced Tennessee-Martin on Tuesday night at the Thomas & Mack Center and suffered an 86-81 defeat. This loss highlighted several issues for the team, including fouls, turnovers, and poor ball movement.

UNLV Rebels Struggle in Season Opener

Coach Josh Pastner expressed disappointment following the game. He acknowledged the team’s poor performance and apologized to the fan base, stating, “I feel sick to my stomach.” Pastner’s comments reflected the reality of a team that did not live up to its pre-season expectations.

Key Players and Statistics

• Kimani Hamilton: Senior forward who fouled out and scored 13 points with 2 rebounds.
• Myles Che: Junior point guard who missed the game due to a foot injury.
• Dravyn Gibbs-Lawhorn: Led the team with 18 points but faced foul trouble throughout.
• Al Green: Contributed 12 points, scoring quickly off the bench.

UNLV started strong, holding a 43-39 lead at halftime. However, the first half was marred by 14 turnovers. The Rebels ultimately committed 22 turnovers, allowing Tennessee-Martin to capitalize with 21 points off those mistakes.

Foul Trouble Affects Performance

Fouls played a critical role in the game. Tennessee-Martin shot an astounding 48 free throws, converting 27. UNLV struggled to maintain defensive discipline, with several players dealing with personal fouls. The impact of injuries, particularly the absence of Che, was noticeable. Without him, the Rebels struggled with ball handling and execution.

Gibbs-Lawhorn noted the importance of staying resilient as a team, emphasizing, “It’s our first real game with each other, so we can’t hang our heads too low.” His performance, though leading in points, came with challenges due to foul issues and a lack of support during critical moments.

Looking Ahead

Despite the disappointing start, Pastner remains optimistic about the future. He mentioned the importance of improvement and preparation, stating, “We have to be excellent in the things we have to be excellent in.” The road ahead is long for the Rebels, but there’s room for growth.

Before the game, the Thomas & Mack Center honored the legacy of Hall of Fame coach Jerry Tarkanian and his wife, Lois, with a special rededication ceremony. This tribute added significance to the season opener, though the team’s performance detracted from the celebratory atmosphere.

As the season progresses, UNLV will need to address its issues swiftly. The players and coaching staff recognize that they must improve quickly if they hope to meet their potential this season.