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The UNLV Runnin' Rebels are the men's basketball team representing the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. The team has a proud basketball history, with four Final Four appearances and an impressive winning percentage. In 1990, the Runnin' Rebels displayed the most dominant performance in NCAA National Championship history, beating Duke by a record-setting margin of 103-73. This victory marked the only time a team has scored over 100 points in the championship game. The 1990 championship win is a memorable moment for UNLV and the city of Las Vegas, showcasing the team's rebellious spirit and cultural impact.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Year | 1990 |
| Date | 2nd April 1990 |
| Opponent | Duke University |
| Score | 103-73 |
| Margin of Victory | 30 points |
| Venue | Denver |
| Coach | Jerry Tarkanian |
| Players | Stacey Augmon, Larry Johnson, Anderson Hunt, Greg Anthony, Robert Smith, Glen Gondrezick |
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What You'll Learn
UNLV's 1990 NCAA Championship win
The UNLV Runnin' Rebels are the men's basketball team representing the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, in the Mountain West Conference of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA). On April 2, 1990, the Runnin' Rebels won the NCAA Division I Men's Basketball Championship game, defeating Duke University with a final score of 103-73. This margin of victory, at 30 points, was a record for an NCAA championship game.
The 1989-90 UNLV Runnin' Rebels basketball team was led by 17th-year head coach Jerry Tarkanian and played its home games in the Thomas & Mack Center. They finished the season with a record of 35-5, winning the regular-season championship and the Big West tournament championship. As a result, they received an automatic bid to the NCAA tournament as the No. 1 seed in the West region. They advanced to the Final Four, where they defeated Georgia Tech to earn a spot in the championship game against Duke.
The championship game was UNLV's eleventh consecutive win, and they dominated from the start, jumping out to an early double-digit lead. At halftime, UNLV led 47-35. In the second half, UNLV continued to pull away, with a three-pointer from Larry Johnson and a transition layup from Anderson Hunt extending their lead to 75-47. Johnson and Hunt were the top scorers for UNLV, with 22 points and 29 points, respectively.
The 1990 NCAA Championship win was a significant moment for the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, and the city of Las Vegas. The Runnin' Rebels' style of play, attitude, and culture helped define and unify the city, and their rebellious spirit resonated with many people. The team's impact extended beyond the court, influencing the college basketball world and popular culture, with even Tupac embracing the Runnin' Rebel identity.
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The UNLV Runnin' Rebels
The Runnin' Rebels have had several notable seasons over the years. In 1977, just seven years after joining Division I, the Rebels, nicknamed the "Hardway Eight", made it to the Final Four. They lost to North Carolina by a single point (84-83), which was the first of their four Final Four appearances. In 1986, the Rebels returned to the Final Four, boasting a 37-1 record before losing to Indiana 97-93. The Rebels continued to dominate in the 1989-90 season, winning the NCAA Championship by defeating Duke by a record-setting margin of 103-73. This victory marked the first and only time a team scored over 100 points in the championship game.
The 1990 championship team was led by coach Jerry Tarkanian, who was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. Tarkanian guided the Runnin' Rebels to 11 conference championships, 12 NCAA tournament appearances, and a national title during his 19-year tenure. The 1990 championship game was a significant moment in college basketball, representing a clash between the traditional basketball culture of Duke and the diverse, forward-thinking spirit of UNLV.
Following their championship win, the Runnin' Rebels faced some setbacks. In 1991, they were banned from television and the postseason, and coach Tarkanian was forced to resign by UNLV President Robert Maxson. Despite these challenges, the Runnin' Rebels have continued to leave their mark on college basketball. In the 2006-07 season, led by future NBA player Joel Anthony, they achieved their first national ranking in 14 years and advanced to the Sweet Sixteen. More recently, in the 2016-17 season, the Rebels recruited a top-25 class, including highly touted prospects Brandon McCoy and Shakur Juiston.
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The UNLV vs Duke rivalry
The UNLV Runnin' Rebels men's basketball team has had a storied history, with the seventh-highest winning percentage in Division I history as of 2023. The team has also consistently led the nation in points scored, turnovers forced, and wins.
The 1986-87 edition of the Runnin' Rebels was the first team to end the regular season as the nation's top-ranked team. The Rebels had a record of 29-3 and made it to the Final Four in 1977, where they lost to North Carolina in the semifinals.
However, the rivalry between UNLV and Duke University's Blue Devils is particularly notable. On April 2, 1990, the Runnin' Rebels beat Duke by a record-setting margin of 103-73 to win the NCAA National Championship. This victory is still remembered as one of the most dominant performances in NCAA history, with UNLV becoming the first and only team to score over 100 points in the championship game.
The following year, on March 30, 1991, the two teams met again during the national semifinal of the NCAA Division I men's basketball tournament. This time, Duke pulled off a shocking upset, defeating the undefeated UNLV 79-77. This game is also remembered as one of the greatest in NCAA tournament history, with Duke advancing to win the championship.
The rivalry between UNLV and Duke extended beyond the basketball court. It represented a clash of cultures, with Duke being a predominantly white school and UNLV hailing from a diverse community with a predominantly African American team. The games between these two teams not only showcased exceptional basketball but also carried a deeper significance that resonated with fans and the broader college basketball community.
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The Thomas & Mack Center
The UNLV Runnin' Rebels, who play their home games at the Thomas & Mack Center, have a rich basketball history. In addition to their national championship in 1990, they have consistently been one of the top programs in the country. They have the seventh-highest winning percentage in Division I history as of 2023 and have appeared in the NCAA Tournament numerous times. The Runnin' Rebels are known for their up-tempo offense and stifling defense, often turning close games into blowouts with long runs.
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UNLV's 1991 Final Four appearance
The UNLV Runnin' Rebels are the men's basketball team representing the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, in the Mountain West Conference of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA).
On March 30, 1991, the UNLV Runnin' Rebels made their Final Four appearance during the national semifinal of the 1991 NCAA Division I men's basketball tournament. They faced the Duke University Blue Devils at the Hoosier Dome in Indianapolis, Indiana.
UNLV entered the game with a 45-game winning streak and was the favourite to win. However, Duke pulled off an upset, defeating UNLV 79-77. This ended UNLV's era of dominance and marked the beginning of a new era for college basketball. The game is considered one of the most memorable in the history of the Final Four.
UNLV's 1991 squad, despite falling short in the Final Four, was highly regarded. They were ranked #2 on ESPN Classic's "Who's #1?" for Best Teams Not To Win a Title. Their 45-game win streak is the fourth-longest in NCAA Division 1 basketball history.
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Frequently asked questions
UNLV won the NCAA Men's Division I Basketball Championship in 1990.
UNLV beat Duke University with a score of 103-73.
UNLV won the championship game by a margin of 30 points, the largest in championship game history.
Jerry Tarkanian was the coach of the UNLV Runnin' Rebels when they won the national championship in 1990.
