UNLV Rebels to Open Season Against Northern Arizona
Monday's 7 p.m. tip at Thomas & Mack Center starts Josh Pastner's second season at the helm.
Updated on Nov. 2, 2026 in Basketball
Basketball fans across the valley get their first look at UNLV's 2026-27 team Monday night when the Rebels open against Northern Arizona at the Thomas & Mack Center. The season begins under Coach Josh Pastner's second year after a 18-17 campaign that ended without an NCAA Tournament bid.
Why it matters
UNLV has not played in the NCAA Tournament since 2013, and last season's injury problems kept the Rebels from building momentum. Pastner's rebuild, built around 10 transfers, is the test of whether the program can stay healthy and compete in a conference with strong contenders like Grand Canyon and New Mexico.
UNLV went 18-17 last season and has not played in the NCAA Tournament since 2013. Pastner brought in 10 transfers this offseason, and Tyrin Jones returns after averaging 12 points, five rebounds and 2.2 blocks.
The players
UNLV Rebels
The Las Vegas university's men's basketball program, opening its 2026-27 season at home.
Josh Pastner
UNLV head coach entering his second season, who rebuilt the roster with 10 transfers.
Tyrin Jones
UNLV sophomore whose 12-point, five-rebound, 2.2-block average last season makes him a key returning player.
Sebastian Mack
Transfer from Missouri who scored 25 points in an October exhibition against Utah.
The details
UNLV opens the 2026-27 season against Northern Arizona on Monday at 7 p.m. at the Thomas & Mack Center. Pastner rebuilt the roster through transfers, including Sebastian Mack from Missouri and Cam Miles from Florida State, and Mack scored 25 points in an October exhibition against Utah. The Rebels need to stay healthy and get past conference contenders Grand Canyon and New Mexico to reach the NCAA Tournament.
Timeline
The 2025-26 season ended with UNLV at 18-17 and no NCAA Tournament bid.
Sebastian Mack scored 25 points against Utah in an October exhibition.
UNLV opens the 2026-27 season against Northern Arizona on Monday at 7 p.m.
Beyond the Strip
UNLV has not reached the NCAA Tournament since 2013, a drought that has outlasted several rebuilding cycles at the program. This season's transfer-heavy rebuild under Pastner is the latest attempt to close that gap.
Monday's 7 p.m. tip at the Thomas & Mack Center gives valley fans a chance to see the new roster up close. Plan parking and arrival time around the start, especially if you are heading east on the Maryland Parkway corridor.
The takeaway
Watch whether the transfer class can stay on the floor, since last season's injuries cost the Rebels games they needed. Check the early conference schedule against Grand Canyon and New Mexico to gauge whether a tournament return is realistic.
What happens next
UNLV's season continues with conference play against Grand Canyon and New Mexico, the two contenders the Rebels must get past to reach the NCAA Tournament.
Further reading
For more on the program's recent results and roster moves, browse the Basketball section.
