The Scarlet Standard

UNLV battled No. 25 BYU at the Thomas & Mack Center but couldn't hold off the Cougars in an 89-77 exhibition loss.The Scarlet Standard's Darrell Lutey breaks down the Runnin' Rebels' performance, including an impressive start, a second-half offensive slowdown and the turnover problems that continue to concern head coach Josh Pastner.Playing without several key contributors, UNLV built a double-digit lead before BYU fought back. The Rebels remained competitive despite their limited rotation, but turnovers, second-chance opportunities and defensive breakdowns ultimately proved costly.Sebastian Mack led UNLV with 26 points on 10-of-20 shooting, adding three assists and committing just one turnover. Cam Miles contributed 14 points and four assists, while Jeremy Fumena and Dontrez Williams each collected nine rebounds.Williams made his UNLV debut, finishing with nine points and nine rebounds in 33 minutes.UNLV won the rebounding battle 41-36 but finished with 18 turnovers against only 12 assists.Pastner praised his team's improvement from the Utah exhibition while acknowledging that offensive execution and ball security must improve.In this report:How UNLV built an early lead against BYUSebastian Mack's 26-point performanceCam Miles' development at point guardDontrez Williams' debutJeremy Fumena's work around the basketPastner's concerns about turnovers and ball movementUNLV's injury situation heading toward the regular seasonNEXT GAMEUNLV vs. MissouriThursday, October 29, 20267:00 PM PacificThomas & Mack Center — Las VegasReporting: Darrell LuteyThe Scarlet StandardFor more original UNLV basketball coverage, interviews and analysis:https://the-scarlet-standard.com/Subscribe to The Scarlet Standard for UNLV basketball, football, hockey and more.#UNLV #RunninRebels #BYU #JoshPastner #CollegeBasketball #TheScarletStandard

UNLV head coach Josh Pastner addresses the media following the Runnin’ Rebels’ 89–77 exhibition loss to No. 25 BYU at the Thomas & Mack Center.Pastner discusses the Rebels’ improvement from their first exhibition against Utah, the ongoing turnover problems, defensive breakdowns and the challenge of playing with several key players sidelined.He also evaluates Cam Miles, Dontrez Williams, Jeremy Fumena, Sebastian Mack, Coda Suttle and Jackson Kiss while addressing AJ Storr’s eligibility situation and how returning players will fit into the rotation.Pastner says UNLV surrendered 36 combined points from turnovers and second-chance opportunities, an issue he wants corrected before the regular season.Topics covered:UNLV's progress from Utah to BYUTurnovers and defensive reboundingAJ Storr’s eligibility situationDontrez Williams' debut and defensive instinctsCam Miles' development at point guardJeremy Fumena's positioning around the basketSebastian Mack's offensive decision-makingBYU's Robert Wright and Jackson KohlerWhy Pastner will not guarantee returning players immediate minutesNext up: UNLV hosts Missouri on Thursday, October 29, before opening the regular season against Northern Arizona on November 3.For more UNLV basketball reporting, interviews and analysis:https://the-scarlet-standard.com/Coverage: The Scarlet Standard#UNLV #JoshPastner #RunninRebels #BYU #CollegeBasketball

UNLV faces No. 25 BYU with several key players sidelined as Josh Pastner prepares the Runnin' Rebels for another challenging exhibition at the Thomas & Mack Center.The Scarlet Standard's Darrell Lutey breaks down UNLV's injury situation, Cam Miles stepping into the starting point guard role, AJ Storr's ongoing eligibility battle and what the Rebels need to improve against Kevin Young's BYU Cougars.With Tyrin Jones, Terrance Ford Jr., Tyler Harris and Isaac Williamson unavailable, UNLV will rely on a limited rotation. MJ Thomas remains a game-time decision, while Dontrez Williams is expected to make his exhibition debut after missing the Utah game with an ankle injury.Pastner also discusses BYU's aggressive defense, limiting turnovers, rebounding and the effort he expects from his players.📰 READ DARRELL LUTEY'S FULL ARTICLE:UNLV vs BYU Game Day Previewhttps://the-scarlet-standard.com/2026/10/24/unlv-vs-byu-game-day-preview/🏀 GAME INFORMATIONUNLV vs. No. 25 BYUSaturday, October 24, 20261:00 PM PacificThomas & Mack Center — Las Vegas, Nevada🎙️ Reporting: Darrell Lutey📰 The Scarlet StandardFor more original UNLV sports coverage, interviews and analysis, visit:https://the-scarlet-standard.com/Subscribe to The Scarlet Standard for UNLV basketball, football, hockey and more.#UNLV #RunninRebels #BYU #JoshPastner #TheScarletStandard

Cam Miles discusses his role at UNLV ahead of the Rebels’ exhibition against No. 25 BYU. With Terrance Ford Jr. out because of a concussion, Miles talks about playing point guard, becoming more vocal on the court and helping UNLV execute its offense.Miles also explains why the Rebels’ consistent recruitment brought him to Las Vegas after his freshman season at Florida State, his opportunity for more minutes and what UNLV needs to carry from practice into the BYU game.He scored 16 points and made three 3-pointers in UNLV’s exhibition opener against Utah.Interview recorded Oct. 23, 2026, with The Scarlet Standard’s Darrell Lutey and other reporters.UNLV vs. BYU: Saturday, Oct. 24, at 1 p.m. Pacific at the Thomas & Mack Center. Watch on MW+.More UNLV reporting:https://the-scarlet-standard.com/Subscribe for UNLV interviews, press conferences and reporting throughout the season.#UNLV #CamMiles #CollegeBasketball

Dontrez Williams says he expects to make his UNLV debut against No. 25 BYU after missing the Utah exhibition with a sprained ankle. Speaking with The Scarlet Standard’s Darrell Lutey and other reporters on Oct. 23, Williams says the ankle is close to 100 percent and that he plans to wear a brace.Williams also discusses a broken wrist he says affected his shooting last season at Lindenwood, his work on 3-pointers and free throws, anticipating passes on defense, and adjusting to Josh Pastner’s practices. He shares what he learned watching the Utah exhibition and talks about his teammates and life in Las Vegas.UNLV hosts BYU on Saturday, Oct. 24, 2026, at 1 p.m. Pacific at the Thomas & Mack Center. Watch on MW+.Reporting: Darrell Lutey / The Scarlet StandardMore UNLV coverage:https://the-scarlet-standard.com/Subscribe for UNLV interviews, press conferences and reporting throughout the season.#UNLV #DontrezWilliams #CollegeBasketball