Las Vegas, NV –
UNLV’s defense set the tone early, suffocating UCLA’s offense throughout the first half. The Bruins looked dismal, struggling to sustain drives and failing to generate rhythm against a relentless Rebel front.
Out of halftime, UCLA showed some life, opening the third quarter with a promising touchdown drive to cut into the deficit. The Bruins followed that momentum with another solid possession, this time settling for a field goal to inch closer.
But what could have been an even bigger swing slipped away. A costly offensive pass interference call wiped out a touchdown, taking points off the board and slowing UCLA’s rally.
UNLV immediately answered with a touchdown drive of their own, stretching the lead back out and halting the Bruins’ surge.
Still, UCLA wasn’t done. Quarterback Nico Iamaleava broke free for a dazzling 30-yard touchdown run, pulling the Bruins back within 10 points with under nine minutes left to play and injecting late drama into the contest.
The Bruins’ defense nearly swung the game on the very next series. A would-be interception return for a touchdown in the red zone was called back, erasing what could have been a game-changing play that would have made it 30–27 with 8:02 remaining.
Even so, UCLA held firm, delivering a crucial stop to keep their hopes alive. The offense capitalized by adding another field goal, cutting the deficit to just seven with a little over five minutes left, and keeping the pressure squarely on UNLV.
UNLV’s offense stalled again, setting the stage for UCLA to complete the comeback. Iamaleava marched the Bruins downfield into a game-winning position, but disaster struck. His pass was tipped and intercepted, sealing the upset.
Final: UNLV 30 stuns UCLA 23 in Las Vegas.