The UNLV Runnin' Rebels lost 79-69 to the Big 12 foe Utah Utes in an exhibition game on Wednesday, Oct. 7, 2026, at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas. The loss marked the start of a series of three exhibition games against Power 4 opponents intended by coach Josh Pastner to prepare his team for November and beyond.
UNLV entered the matchup missing several leading players due to injuries, as well as senior guard AJ Storr, who remains ineligible. During the game, Missouri transfer Sebastian Mack recorded 25 points and eight rebounds in 31 minutes before leaving the game with cramps with 4:46 remaining while the Utes held an 11-point lead.
Coach Josh Pastner noted that Mack was inefficient during the first half but became much more efficient in the second half, specifically highlighting his six defensive rebounds. Mack had previously contributed 12 points and four rebounds during the first 20 minutes of play.
The Utes held a 45-35 lead at halftime. This advantage was driven by Utah's 43 percent shooting from 3-point range, which included a stretch where the team made six consecutive baskets from distance.
Josh Pastner stated that the matchup was a good opportunity to play against a different opponent. He indicated that the team will use the film from the game to help improve and clean up various aspects of their play.
UNLV is scheduled to host BYU on Oct. 24. The exhibition season will conclude with a game against Missouri on Oct. 29.
