The Scarlet Standard

UNLV is 3-0 for the first time since the 2022-23 season, but Friday night's 76-68 victory over Stanford raised nearly as many questions as it answered.The Rebels built an 18-point first-half lead behind Cam Miles' perimeter shooting, Tyrin Jones' two-way impact and some of the best offensive ball movement we've seen under Josh Pastner. Then everything changed. Turnovers, defensive breakdowns and Stanford's dominance on the offensive glass allowed the Cardinal to erase the deficit and tie the game midway through the second half.On this episode of Rebel Daily Drive, Mike Cooper of The Scarlet Standard breaks down UNLV's victory, the mistakes that nearly cost the Rebels the game and what their response says about the direction of Pastner's program.Sebastian Mack finished with 15 points, five assists and just one turnover, delivering perhaps his most complete performance in a UNLV uniform. Cam Miles continued to establish himself as a reliable perimeter threat, while freshman Jackson Kiss showed why his defensive versatility has become so important to the Rebels' rotation. Issac Williamson also delivered one of the biggest shots of the night, knocking down a late three-pointer to help UNLV put Stanford away.We examine Pastner's postgame frustration, the effectiveness of his "Viva La Press" defensive system, Tyrin Jones' development, Jeremy Foumena's matchup problems and the difficult rotation decisions awaiting the coaching staff as injured players return.Beyond the Stanford victory, we discuss whether UNLV finally has the personnel to end its NCAA Tournament drought, why attendance at the Thomas & Mack Center remains a concern, and what the Rebels need to prove against Kansas at the Players Era Festival.Chapters:00:00 – UNLV beats Stanford, but questions remain02:52 – What should Rebel fans take from the win?03:15 – Josh Pastner's sideline energy05:52 – UNLV's improved ball movement and turnover problems06:59 – Why UNLV basketball needs more fan support10:07 – Expectations for Kansas and the Players Era Festival11:05 – How UNLV built an 18-point lead12:45 – Stanford's first-half comeback and Pastner's frustration15:46 – How the Rebels responded after losing the lead18:17 – Issac Williamson delivers a critical three20:20 – Sebastian Mack's growth as a playmaker23:42 – Cam Miles and the Rebels' perimeter offense26:23 – Williamson's role and backcourt depth28:40 – Jackson Kiss: Defensive impact and freshman mistakes31:19 – Tyrin Jones, Jeremy Foumena and the frontcourt33:15 – Pastner's rotation decisions34:07 – Can UNLV sustain its full-court pressure?34:58 – What must improve before Kansas?Join the conversation:Does this Stanford victory give you confidence that UNLV can reach the NCAA Tournament?Is Sebastian Mack becoming the complete guard Josh Pastner needs, or does this offense still rely too heavily on individual scoring?Has Jackson Kiss earned a permanent role in the Rebels' rotation?What's more concerning heading into Kansas: UNLV's turnovers or its defensive rebounding?Is it time for Rebel fans to return to the Thomas & Mack Center?Leave your thoughts in the comments. We want to hear from Rebel fans.The Scarlet Standard provides independent coverage, reporting, analysis and commentary on UNLV athletics and the Mountain West Conference.Website: https://the-scarlet-standard.com/YouTube: https://youtube.com/@SS_MediaLVX, Facebook & Instagram: @SS_MediaLVSupport our sponsor Vegas Varsity at https://VegasVarsity.com/ and use promo code SSM10.Subscribe for UNLV basketball coverage, postgame reactions, press conferences, football analysis and Mountain West updates.#UNLV #UNLVBasketball #RunninRebels #JoshPastner #MountainWest

UNLV men's basketball is 2-0 after defeating Northern Arizona 89-77 and Samford 88-79 at the Thomas & Mack Center. The Runnin' Rebels have shown flashes of what Josh Pastner wants his team to become, but two wins haven't answered every question about the offense, defense and rotation.In this Rebel Daily Drive, Mike Cooper and Darrell Lutey break down UNLV's first two regular-season games, the effectiveness of Pastner's full-court press, the defensive breakdowns against Samford and the offensive problems that could become more costly as the competition improves.We examine Sebastian Mack's turnovers and foul trouble, Cam Miles' shot selection, Tyrin Jones' struggles finishing around the basket, and why Jackson Kiss played such an important role in the Samford victory.The conversation also covers the return of Isaac Williamson, the developing backcourt rotation, Jeremy Foumena's limited minutes, AJ Storr's eligibility situation and how Tyler Harris and Terrance Ford Jr. could change the rotation.Beyond the two wins, we discuss whether UNLV is relying too heavily on isolation basketball, how the Rebels can improve their ball movement, and whether Pastner needs to adjust his pressing system depending on the opponent.With Stanford coming to Las Vegas on Friday, November 13, the Rebels have an opportunity to prove their early success can translate against stronger competition.We also discuss the importance of fan support and what it will take to bring bigger crowds back to the Thomas & Mack Center.Chapters:00:00 – UNLV starts 2-0, but questions remain01:42 – Is Josh Pastner's full-court press working?04:13 – Samford's offense and UNLV's defensive problems06:34 – Comparing UNLV and New Mexico against NAU09:17 – Isolation basketball and offensive ball movement14:09 – Backcourt depth, injuries and AJ Storr18:24 – Rotation decisions and matchup problems24:32 – Jackson Kiss makes an impact26:11 – Sebastian Mack's turnovers and foul trouble28:26 – Tyrin Jones' struggles finishing inside34:00 – How additional shooters could help the offense40:50 – Why UNLV basketball needs more fan support46:09 – What must improve before Stanford51:24 – Communication problems in the full-court press53:00 – Early look at StanfordSubscribe to The Scarlet Standard for UNLV basketball coverage, postgame reactions, press conferences and Mountain West analysis.Website: https://the-scarlet-standard.com/YouTube: https://youtube.com/@SS_MediaLVX, Facebook & Instagram: @SS_MediaLV#UNLV #UNLVBasketball #RunninRebels #JoshPastner #MountainWest

Has UNLV football regressed under Dan Mullen? After Wyoming defeated the Rebels 41-35 at Allegiant Stadium, the questions surrounding Mullen's second season have become harder to ignore.On this episode of Rebel Daily Drive, Michael Cooper of The Scarlet Standard breaks down UNLV's disappointing loss to Wyoming, the recurring defensive failures under Paul Guenther, Corey Dennis' offensive play-calling, and whether Mullen is allowing the program Barry Odom rebuilt to slip backward.Mullen admitted after the game that UNLV didn't compete hard enough in the first half. The Scarlet Standard asked him directly whether three consecutive slow starts should lead to changes at offensive and defensive coordinator. Mullen said he evaluates everything.But when does evaluating turn into making changes?We examine Wyoming's offensive success, the Rebels allowing 1,021 rushing yards over their last three games, and the decisions that cost UNLV an opportunity to complete its comeback.We also discuss Alex Orji replacing Jackson Arnold, whether UNLV now has a quarterback competition heading into New Mexico, and why Jet Thomas continues to be underutilized in critical situations.Beyond the Wyoming game, we take a deeper look at Mullen's two seasons in Las Vegas. Has UNLV become a softer football team? Have Power Four transfers lived up to expectations? Is 2026 becoming one of the most disappointing seasons in program history? And is Mullen committed to building something lasting at UNLV, or is a return to the Power Four still his ultimate goal?Chapters:00:00 – Mullen's postgame comments and accountability05:50 – How Wyoming exposed UNLV14:37 – Paul Guenther and the defensive coaching problems18:00 – UNLV's first-half collapse24:39 – Alex Orji replaces Jackson Arnold27:55 – UNLV's comeback and the final offensive possession33:01 – Should Mullen change defensive coordinators?38:00 – 1,021 rushing yards allowed in three games42:39 – Corey Dennis and UNLV's offensive regression48:29 – Alex Orji vs. Jackson Arnold: Who should start?51:29 – Has UNLV regressed under Dan Mullen?1:01:00 – The effort and culture problems1:02:00 – Is 2026 among UNLV's most disappointing seasons?1:07:00 – Does Mullen see UNLV as a long-term destination?1:14:43 – Mullen's Florida history and staff accountability1:15:30 – The unanswered questions before New MexicoJoin the conversation:Should Paul Guenther remain UNLV's defensive play-caller?Would you start Alex Orji or Jackson Arnold against New Mexico?Has Dan Mullen lowered the standard Barry Odom established?Do you believe Mullen is committed to UNLV for the long term?What changes must Mullen make before the season ends?Leave your thoughts in the comments. We want to hear from Rebel fans.The Scarlet Standard provides independent coverage, reporting, analysis and commentary on UNLV athletics and the Mountain West Conference.Website: https://the-scarlet-standard.com/YouTube: https://youtube.com/@SS_MediaLVX, Facebook & Instagram: @SS_MediaLVSubscribe for UNLV football coverage, game reactions, press conferences, basketball analysis and Mountain West updates.#UNLV #DanMullen #UNLVFootball #MountainWest #CollegeFootball

UNLV head coach Dan Mullen addresses the media following the Rebels' 41-35 loss to Wyoming on Saturday, November 7, 2026, at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas.Mullen discusses UNLV's disappointing first-half performance, the decision to change quarterbacks, the Rebels' second-half comeback, missed opportunities on the final offensive possession, and the defensive struggles that continue to hurt the team.He also responds to questions about evaluating his coordinators, tackling problems, injuries and the adjustments UNLV must make moving forward.Press Conference Chapters:00:00 – Opening remarks and first-half performance01:24 – Decision to change quarterbacks02:13 – Offensive adjustments03:09 – Time of possession and offensive tempo03:55 – Questions about coordinator changes04:54 – Tackling struggles and defensive injuries06:06 – Final offensive possession06:52 – Run defense concernsSubscribe to The Scarlet Standard for UNLV football press conferences, postgame coverage and analysis.Website: https://the-scarlet-standard.com/X, Instagram and Facebook: @SS_MediaLV#UNLV #UNLVFootball #MountainWest

UNLV defeated Samford 88-79 this afternoon at the Thomas & Mack Center. UNLV had 5 players in double figures led by Cam Miles 20 points. UNLV kept Samford from shooting open 3's which was pivotal to the win. The Rebels also knocked down free throws, and did a great job on the glass.Next up is Stanford on Friday, November 13th at 6pm in the Thomas & Mack Center.

Josh Pastner breaks down UNLV 88-79 win over Samford University. Cam Miles and Tyrin Jones also talk to the Press.

UNLV plays Samford Univeristy on Saturday, November 7th at 1pm in the Thomas & Mack Center. The Scarlet Standard’s Darrell Lutey previews the matchup against the Bulldogs from the Southern Conference.According to UNLV Coach Josh Pastner, the Bulldogs are a well coached team who spread the court, drive the basketball, and dish for open 3's. Defending the 3's are crucial.Darrell also covers UNLV’s injury and eligibility updates. The two players injured include Tyler Harris and Isaac Williamson, and AJ Storr continues to be ineligible but coach Pastner shed some new information on Storr.Reporting and analysis: Darrell Lutey | The Scarlet StandardMore UNLV coverage:https://the-scarlet-standard.com/Subscribe for UNLV basketball previews, interviews and coverage throughout the season.#UNLV #UNLVBasketball #Mizzou

UNLV battles Samford University on Saturday, November 7th at 1pm at the Thomas & Mack Center.Pastner previews Samford which plays in the Southern Conference and is 1-0 after beating Barry University 87-58. Pastner says Samford is similar to NAU but better. All 5 players on the floor shoot the 3 well.He also discusses our current injuries (Isaac Williamson and Tyler Harris) and discusses AJ Storr's Eligibility.Sebastian Mack is also interviewed and discusses his role on the team, how he feels about pressing, and talk briefly about playing for Coach Pastner. CHAPTERS00:00 Josh Pastner: Samford Preview12:36 Sebastian MackFollow The Scarlet Standard for UNLV news, interviews and analysis.More coverage: https://the-scarlet-standard.com/Subscribe for more Runnin’ Rebels interviews throughout the season.#UNLV #UNLVBasketball #RunninRebels

Josh Pastner wants you to trust the plan. Dan Mullen wants you to trust the work. On Saturday, both get tested.Welcome back to the Rebel Daily Drive. I'm Mike Cooper of The Scarlet Standard, and we're looking ahead to a full Saturday of UNLV sports.UNLV Basketball vs. Samford | 1 p.m. PTThe Runnin' Rebels opened the season with an 89-77 victory over Northern Arizona, powered by Sebastian Mack's career-high 31 points. But that first half raised some familiar concerns.Pastner has built this roster around speed, length, conditioning and full-court pressure. I like the direction, but what happens when an opponent breaks that press and forces UNLV to defend in the half court?Samford brings exactly the kind of offense that can expose those problems. We break down its ball movement, backdoor cuts, perimeter shooting, Will Shaver's versatility and what UNLV needs from Cam Miles, Jeremy Foumena and its young bench.UNLV Football vs. Wyoming | 7:30 p.m. PTDan Mullen keeps talking about preparation. Now it's time to see that preparation translate to Saturdays.After surrendering 670 rushing yards against Air Force and Northern Illinois, UNLV faces Wyoming quarterback Tyler Hughes, who has rushed for 421 yards over his last three games.We examine UNLV's tackling problems, defensive gap assignments, Paul Guenther's approach to containing Hughes and why Corey Dennis needs more answers offensively.We also discuss Jackson Arnold, Jet Thomas, the Rebels' red-zone struggles, Mountain West championship implications, bowl projections and whether a three-loss conference champion UNLV team could enter the College Football Playoff conversation.Plus: UNLV hockey improves to 12-0, Lady Rebels basketball returns home, and Desi-Rae Young receives her jersey retirement recognition.Two games. Two coaches. Two very different challenges.Which UNLV team gives you more confidence heading into Saturday? Let me know in the comments.Read our UNLV coverage: https://the-scarlet-standard.com/Subscribe for UNLV football, basketball, hockey, interviews, game reactions and analysis.#UNLV #UNLVFootball #UNLVBasketball #RebelDailyDrive #MountainWest

Josh Pastner breaks down the tough UNLV win against a gritty Northern Arizona team.