UNLV Runnin’ Rebels Men’s Basketball Tickets
The UNLV Runnin' Rebels men’s basketball team is a Division I program for the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. The team is located in Las Vegas, Nevada and plays their home games at the Thomas & Mack Center. The Thomas & Mack Center has a capacity of 18,776 people and opened in 1983. The team plays in the Mountain West Conference. The team is currently coached by Dave Rice. In Rice’s first and only year as coach thus far, he led the Rebels to a 26-9 record and a trip to the NCAA Tournament. He also defeated at the time #1 ranked North Carolina.
Since the Rebels joined Division I in 1970, the team has been one of the most successful programs in the country. Under Jerry Tarkanian, the team notched their first NCAA Tournament appearance in 1975, making it to the Sweet Sixteen that year. Success would continue under Tarkanian as they would return to the Sweet Sixteen in 1976, and make it all the way to the Final Four in 1977. After a few years of mediocrity, the 1980s and early 90s was the most successful period in Rebels history. The team made the NCAA Tournament every year between 1983 and 1991, which included trips to the Final Four in 1987, 1990, and 1991. In 1990, the team won the National Championship, defeating Duke 103-73 in the title game. Under Tarkanian, the team finished 509-105 with twelve NCAA Tournament appearances. Since Tarkanian’s departure, the team has not reached anywhere near the same level of success; however, under coach Lon Kruger, the team made the NCAA Tournament in four out of five years between 2007 and 2011.
In a short time span, the Runnin’ Rebels have been remarkably successful in the NBA Draft, with 44 players selected including thirteen in the first round. Most recently, Marcus Banks was selected with the 13th overall selection by the Memphis Grizzlies in the 2003 draft. The Rebels have also featured one player selected first overall, Larry Johnson by the Charlotte Hornets in the 1991 draft. The Rebels have two major rivalries: in state for the University of Nevada, Reno and one against the BYU Cougars. UNLV leads both matchups with the Rebels holding a 55-19 lead against Nevada, and a 19-16 lead against the BYU Cougars.
