Lady Rebels defeat Colorado State and claim regular-season conference title

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The UNLV Lady Rebels pose with the Mountain West regular-season trophy after winning the game against Colorado State on Feb. 16, 2022. The victory secured them the No. 1 seed heading into the MW Championships. Photo by Lucas Peltier /// UNLV Athletics

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The Lady Rebels bounced back to defeat Colorado State 80-69 after falling to Wyoming days prior to end a 12-game winning streak. 

It was a memorable victory for the Lady Rebels’ program, as they were able to claim the 2022 Mountain West regular-season conference title, their first out-right conference title since 1990, which makes for their sixth title in program history. 

“I’m just so proud of the effort on this team, this staff, and our city,” Lady Rebels head coach Lindy La Rocque said. “Las Vegas has waited for this for so long.”

After not losing for 52 days, the Lady Rebels were defeated by Wyoming last Thursday but regained momentum to take down the Rams in Fort Collins on Saturday, which would mark their first victory in Moby Arena since 2008. 

“Whether our players would admit it or not,” La Rocque said, “there was a weight on our shoulders. Carrying a winning streak and taking everyone’s best shot game after game- it’s a privilege and a burden.”

Colorado State would lead through the first half before UNLV would outscore the Rams 25-10 in the third period. Rebel guard Kiara Jackson went on to score 17-of-20 points in the second half to push UNLV ahead.

Off the bench, Jackson scored 20 points during the game which became her new career-high and she led the Rebels in scoring for the game. 

Guards Essence Booker and Justice Ethridge combined for 30 points while center Desi-Rae Young put up her 10th double-double of the season with 17 points and 11 rebounds. 

With the victory, the Lady Rebels will finish with the best overall record since the 1993-94 season and will hold the No. 1 seed in the upcoming Mountain West Conference Championship Tournament. 

Before the tournament, the Lady Rebels have one final game where they will host the Nevada Wolf Pack for senior night and the regular-season finale on March 2 at the Cox Pavilion, tip-off is set for 6 p.m.

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