UNLV returns home Thursday night riding the momentum of its most complete performance of the season, a 92-78 road win at Memphis that flashed the version of the Runnin’ Rebels Josh Pastner believes this roster can become. But if Pastner made anything clear heading into tonight’s matchup against Saint Joseph’s, it’s that momentum doesn’t carry itself.

“Memphis is history,” Pastner said Wednesday. “Our whole mission statement is simple: can we get better every time we step on the floor? Tomorrow is another opportunity for us to do that.”

The Rebels enter the night 2-2, averaging 91.8 points per game, one of the most explosive offensive starts in the Mountain West. They’re shooting 50.8% from the field, taking 31.8 free-throw attempts per game (17th nationally), and ranking top-30 in offensive efficiency on two-point attempts.

Saint Joseph’s arrives at 2-2 as well, but with a completely different profile: heavy size, deliberate pace, and a defense built to shrink the paint. And while the two programs combine for 174 seasons and nearly 4,800 games played, this is, remarkably, is their first-ever meeting.

If UNLV’s performance at Memphis had a turning point, it was the emergence of two pieces the Rebels had been waiting on.

Freshman Issac Williamson made his first start and detonated for 25 points, showing advanced poise, shot-making, and efficiency after a preseason limited by injury.
“Isaac took great steps,” Pastner said. “It’s been hard to get him into rhythm because he hasn’t practiced much, but he made real progress.”

Kimani Hamilton delivered his most complete performance of the year. His play was physical, disciplined, and efficient, which the Rebels need. Pairing that with 15 points is the type of two-way toughness Pastner has been demanding.

“He played like a hard-nosed player,” Pastner said. “He didn’t get loosey-goosey or worry about things he can’t control.”

Dravyn Gibbs-Lawhorn, despite foul trouble, earned praise for his defense and cutting, and Howie Fleming Jr. posted a 25-point, 12-rebound double-double that gave UNLV the physical edge it needed in the second half.

With five Rebels averaging double figures, the offensive depth is starting to show.

This is a contrast-of-styles game.

UNLV plays fast, 15.2 seconds per possession (45th nationally), and thrives in the open floor and early-clock touches. Pastner’s offense is at its best when it’s attacking the paint, where the Rebels shoot 66% on twos (2nd in NCAA).

Saint Joseph’s? The Hawks want to slow the game down. They’re long, they offensive rebound well, and they’re anchored by shot-blocker Justice Ajogbor, who is nearing the 100-block career mark and posted 86 swats last season alone.

Their offensive catalyst is Deuce Jones, coming off a three-game stretch averaging 22.3 points per game.

“They’ve got multiple guys who can score,” Pastner said. “Deuce Jones can flat-out play. They’re well-coached and run really good actions. We’ll have to play at a very high level.”

This will be UNLV’s third game against a high-usage guard capable of driving an offense. Saint Joe’s shoots just 25.5% from three, but they compensate with volume from inside and second-chance points.

Injuries have defined UNLV’s early-season rhythm.

“I’ve never seen anything like it,” Pastner said. “We’re just trying to get healthy. Hopefully by mid-December, when we get to conference play, everyone is good to go.”

Until then, UNLV leans on versatility and depth. The Rebels rank 55th in bench usage, and Pastner’s trademark 2-foul participation philosophy, one of the highest rates in the country, reflects his trust in playing through mistakes and foul trouble.

For UNLV, the path to a second straight high-profile win runs through four pillars: tempo, paint efficiency, discipline, and star containment. Each will shape the style and rhythm of Thursday night’s matchup.

First, UNLV must own the tempo. The Rebels play fast, really fast, ranking among the nation’s quickest teams in offensive possession length. Their best stretches this season have come when the ball barely touches the floor before attacking the rim or flowing into early drag screens. Saint Joseph’s wants the opposite. The Hawks rely on structured halfcourt actions, size advantages, and long possessions to keep opponents uncomfortable. If this becomes a grinding halfcourt game, SJU’s length can dictate matchups; if it turns into a track meet, their frontcourt becomes a liability. Transition pace isn’t just stylistic. it’s a pressure point that forces Saint Joe’s into rotations they don’t want to make.

Second, UNLV has to win the paint battle, even against one of the tallest trios they’ll face all year. The Rebels enter shooting 66% on twos, the No. 2 mark in the country, a product of their spacing, rim pressure, and guard playmaking. But Saint Joseph’s counters with Justice Ajogbor, Jaden Smith, and Steven Solano, all 6-foot-10 or taller, and all capable of disrupting shots. The key is not simply finishing at the rim, but creating the right types of attempts: early-clock drives before the defense sets, deep seals from Bannarbie and Fleming, and purposeful cutting that forces those bigs to move instead of stand and contest. If UNLV controls the paint, Saint Joe’s will struggle to keep pace.

Third, the Rebels must defend without fouling. The Hawks are one of the least foul-drawing teams in Division I, ranking near the bottom nationally in free-throw rate. The only way they manufacture easy scoring bursts is if UNLV gifts them trips to the line. Pastner has stressed discipline after the defensive slippage in the UT Martin and Montana losses. this is a game where controlled aggression matters. Make Saint Joe’s earn every point in the halfcourt, and the math works in UNLV’s favor.

Finally, UNLV has to contain Deuce Jones. After a quiet opener, the sophomore guard has erupted for 22.3 points per game over his last three, showing the same burst and shot-creation that made him the Atlantic 10 Rookie of the Year. The mandate is clear: make him a jump shooter, not a downhill creator. When Jones gets into the paint, Saint Joe’s offense expands; when he’s forced into contested pull-ups, their efficiency collapses. His performance often dictates their ceiling.

Control the pace, finish through length, stay out of foul trouble, and limit Jones. if UNLV checks those boxes, the Rebels should be in position to deliver another statement before conference play arrives.

Tonight is less about the opponent and more about whether UNLV can stack growth on top of the Memphis breakthrough. Pastner has made the standard clear: toughness, discipline, and incremental improvement.

“We can’t drink the praise after a good win,” he said. “You have to keep getting better every day.”

Saint Joseph’s brings size, discipline, and a star guard. UNLV brings pace, depth, and renewed confidence.

Josh Pastner Media:

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