Jake Heidbreder Buzzer Beater Lifts Fresno State Over UNLV 98-96 in Mountain West Thriller

FRESNO, Calif. — In a game that showcased clutch shooting and late-game resilience, Jake Heidbreder’s 14-foot baseline basket at the buzzer propelled Fresno State to a 98-96 victory over UNLV on Tuesday night, marking one of the Mountain West’s most dramatic finishes of the season.

Fresno State (11-11, 5-6 Mountain West) erased a three-point deficit in the final 23 seconds, outscoring UNLV 9-4 to claim the win. Heidbreder finished with a team-high 29 points, capping a performance that demonstrated both poise and strategic awareness under pressure.

Zaon Collins contributed 16 points, while DeShawn Gory and reserve Bastien Rieber each added 15 points, and Wilson Jacques chipped in 10. The Bulldogs shot an efficient 59 percent from the field, including 53 percent from beyond the arc, despite committing 15 turnovers. Fresno State’s ability to execute in the final moments offset their turnover margin, a statistic that historically correlates strongly with close Mountain West outcomes.

For UNLV (10-12, 5-6), Dra Gibbs-Lawhorn scored 28 points, Howie Fleming Jr. added 23, and Kimani Hamilton contributed 14. The Rebels appeared poised to secure the win after David Douglas Jr. tied the game at 96 with a 32-foot three-pointer with 1.5 seconds left, but a critical turnover on the ensuing inbounds play allowed Fresno State one final opportunity.

Officials confirmed possession after review, and Heidbreder executed a quick fake to set a screen, then sprinted to the baseline for a clean, uncontested look that sealed the Bulldogs’ victory. This finish underscores Fresno State’s ability to close tight games, a skill that has proven decisive in Mountain West standings over the last decade.

Up Next

UNLV: Hosts Grand Canyon on Saturday.

Fresno State: Travels to play Nevada on Saturday.