Lady Rebels Advance to Conference Semi-Finals
By Donnetta (MsBallinD) Coleman
The #1 seeded UNLV Lady Rebels, opened Mountain West Conference play with a dominating win over 9th seeded Utah State 82-69; remaining undefeated at home versus conference opponents. The Aggies were able to keep pace early, as the Lady Rebels missed several open layups to begin the game. Utah State built a seven point lead halfway through the first quarter, but were unable to take care of the ball, which allowed UNLV to score 13 points off their turnovers.
“You’re never going to win the game in the first five minutes, and for the most part, you’re never going to lose the game in the first five minutes,” said UNLV’s Lindy LaRocque. The leadership of All-Conference player, Essence Booker, helped settle UNLV in the second quarter; as she carried her team to a 38-27 half-time lead. Booker scored all 10 of her points in the first half on 5-of-7 shooting from the field.
Mountain West Conference Player of The Year, Desi-Rae Young hammered a block on Utah State’s first possession of the third quarter, followed by a turnaround jumper to spark UNLV. Three-pointer jumpers from Alyssa Durazo-Fresca and Khayla Rooks, helped power the Lady Rebels offense in the third quarter, as their lead extended to 48-59. Shayla Latone hit a three-point jumper, followed by a layup from Adryanna Quezada to pull Utah State within six points at 53-59, with nine minutes remaining. UNLV’s freshman, Kiara Jackson stepped up, scoring the next five points as the Rebels went on a 9-0 scoring run. Sixth Player of The Year, Nneka Obiazor scored UNLV’s final eight points, to carry UNLV to victory. Obiazor finished with a team-high 20 points and nine rebounds, Desi-Rae Young had 12 points, Khayla Rooks and Justice Ethridge both added 11 points for the Lady Rebels.
The win advances UNLV to the Mountain West Semi-Finals, to square off with 5th seeded Air Force, Tuesday at 5pm.
