The UNLV Runnin' Rebels, representing the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, boast a rich basketball legacy rooted in the annals of NCAA history. Competing in the Mountain West Conference, the Rebels have left an indelible mark with their performances on the court. UNLV holds the distinction of having the seventh-highest winning percentage in Division I basketball, a testament to their enduring prowess. Renowned for their up-tempo offense and stifling defense, the Runnin' Rebels have captivated fans and pundits alike with their captivating style of play.
UNLV College Basketball Championship Wins
In 1990, the UNLV Runnin' Rebels won the NCAA Championship, a huge deal in college basketball. They beat Duke in the final game with a massive score of 103–73, setting a record. Led by their amazing coach Jerry Tarkanian, they were the first team ever to score over 100 points in a championship game. This win made UNLV a super strong team and made their fans love them even more.
| Year | Seed | Round | Opponent | Result |
| 1990 | 1 W | Round of 64Round of 32Sweet SixteenElite EightFinal FourNational Championship | (16) Arkansas–Little Rock(8) Ohio State(12) Ball State(11) #21 Loyola Marymount(4) #9 Georgia Tech(3) #15 Duke | W 102–72W 76–65W 69–67W 131–101W 90–81W 103–73 |
When did UNLV Win the College Basketball Championship?
UNLV secured its historic NCAA Championship victory in 1990, after an impressive journey through the tournament rounds. They triumphed over several formidable opponents, including Arkansas–Little Rock, Ohio State, Ball State, Loyola Marymount, Georgia Tech, and Duke, in the National Championship game, sealing their place in college basketball history.
UNLV College Basketball Championship Appearances
The Runnin' Rebels have graced the NCAA Division I tournament stage on 20 occasions, showcasing their perennial competitiveness. With a combined record of 33–19, UNLV has consistently showcased its mettle against the nation's finest collegiate basketball programs.
| Year | Result |
| 1975 | W 90–80 |
| 1976 | W 103–78 |
| 1977 | W 121–96W 88–83W 107–90L 83–84W 106–94 |
| 1983 | ByeL 70–71 |
| 1984 | W 68–56W 73–60L 48–62 |
| 1985 | W 85–80L 61–64 |
| 1986 | W 74–51W 70–64L 63–70 |
| 1987 | W 95–70W 80–61W 92–78W 84–81L 93–97 |
| 1988 | W 54–50L 86–104 |
| 1989 | W 68–56W 85–70W 68–67L 61–84 |
| 1990 | W 102–72W 76–65W 69–67W 131–101W 90–81W 103–73 |
| 1991 | W 99–65W 62–54W 83–66W 77–65L 77–79 |
| 1998 | L 57–69 |
| 2000 | L 62–89 |
| 2007 | W 67–63W 74–68L 72–76 |
| 2008 | W 71–58L 56–75 |
| 2010 | L 66–69 |
| 2011 | L 62–73 |
| 2012 | L 64–68 |
| 2013 | L 61–64 |
When did UNLV Last Appear in the College Basketball Championship?
UNLV Runnin' Rebels last appeared in the College Basketball Championship in 2013, competing in the Round of 64 against California. Despite a valiant effort, they were defeated with a final score of 61–64. This marks their most recent venture onto the national stage of collegiate basketball.
UNLV Conference Wins
UNLV Runnin' Rebels have clinched conference tournament championships in Big West (1983, 1985, 1986, 1987, 1989, 1990, 1991), WAC (1998), and Mountain West (2000, 2007, 2008). These victories highlight their consistent excellence and dominance within conference play throughout their storied basketball history.
FAQ's On UNLV college basketball championships
A. UNLV secured their NCAA Championship victory in 1990, marking their sole title to date.
A. UNLV Runnin' Rebels have made 20 appearances in the NCAA Division I tournament.
A. UNLV last appeared in the NCAA basketball tournament in 2013, competing in the Round of 64.
A. UNLV has clinched tournament championships in the Big West, WAC, and Mountain West conferences.
