UNLV Holds Off UTSA After Late Two-Point Try Falls Short

By Brad Wilson | Stateline Gazette

SAN ANTONIO — UTSA scored with one second remaining and had a chance to win the game on the final play.

The Roadrunners didn’t convert.

UNLV escaped with a 36–35 victory on Saturday night after UTSA’s attempt to win on a two-point conversion fell incomplete, closing a game defined by momentum swings and late execution.

UTSA head coach Mark Hammerstone elected to go for two following Owen McCown’s fourth touchdown pass of the night, a decision that bypassed overtime and put the outcome on a single play.

The receiver broke free in the end zone, but the pass sailed wide.

“I don’t regret the decision,” Hammerstone said. “We had the look we wanted. Sometimes it doesn’t go your way.”

UTSA controlled the first half, taking a 14–7 lead into the break behind McCown, who repeatedly challenged the UNLV secondary. The Roadrunners opened the scoring and dictated tempo early before the game shifted after halftime.

UNLV seized control in the third quarter, outscoring UTSA 14–0 and flipping the momentum behind quarterback Alex Orji. The Rebels leaned on efficiency and balance, limiting mistakes while capitalizing on opportunities.

“We stayed with what we do,” UNLV coach Matt Glovas said. “The guys executed.”

Orji completed 19 of 22 passes for 267 yards and three touchdowns, adding 49 rushing yards and a score on the ground. Wide receiver Var’Keyes Gumms caught eight passes for 121 yards and three touchdowns, providing a consistent downfield threat.

UTSA responded late, mounting a furious comeback fueled almost entirely by McCown’s arm. He finished with 438 passing yards and four touchdowns while also adding a rushing score. Receiver Willie McCoy recorded 10 catches for 208 yards and three touchdowns.

The Roadrunners, however, struggled to generate anything on the ground, finishing with minus-1 rushing yard and placing the full burden of the offense on McCown.

After McCown’s final touchdown narrowed the deficit to one point, Hammerstone kept his offense on the field.

“We weren’t playing for overtime,” Hammerstone said. “We were playing to win.”

The decision produced an open receiver, but the pass missed, sealing UNLV’s win.

“That’s a tough call,” Glovas said. “They played a great game. It could have gone either way.”The victory bolsters UNLV’s position in the conference race and continued the West Division’s strong run. UTSA, despite the loss, demonstrated its ability to match any offense in the league.

“This one hurts,” Hammerstone said. “But it shows what we’re capable of.”

UNLV left with the result.

UTSA was left with the decision.