The Lady Rebels extend their win streak to five, after rallying a second-half comeback to defeat Silver State rivals, the Nevada Wolf Pack 78-75.
Heading into the match-up, Nevada had a seven-game home winning streak and three straight wins against UNLV in Reno. UNLV, with the win, not only extended their winning streak but handed Nevada its first defeat in conference play.
The Wolf Pack got to scoring early, jumping to a 7-4 lead, which set the tone for nearly the entire game. They would hold the lead the entire first quarter before the Rebels made a late 7-3 run to tie it at 19-19 to end the first quarter.
The Lady Rebels, unable to get ahead, would ultimately hand the lead back to Nevada. In the second quarter the Wolfpack was able to get their lead up to eight before guard Justice Ethridge and forward Khayla Rooks closed the gap before halftime.
Early in the third, UNLV went down by 12 before center Desi-Rae Young and guard Essence Booker began to get the Rebels’ offense started again. The Lady Rebels went on an 11-4 run to get within two-possessions of Nevada heading into the final quarter.
Still down, Ethridge would score 14 of her 16 points in the second-half to spark the comeback. Midway through the final quarter when Ethridge made a crucial three-point jumper to tie the game at 63.
UNLV took the lead for the first time in the game at 66-65, when guard Kiara Jackson knocked down a free throw. The Lady Rebels stepped on the gas to extend their lead to six.
Nevada attempted to battle back, even getting within one-possession with 30 seconds left, but a made layup by Nneka Obiazor would seal the victory for the Rebels.
Young led all scorers with 19 points, shooting 8-of-11 from the field. Booker and Ethridge combined for 33 points and eight rebounds. The Lady Rebels also outrebounded their opponent 45-27 and now hold a 39-13 all-time series lead over Nevada.
The Lady Rebels now stand second in the Mountain West with a 15-4 overall record and a 7-1 record in conference play.
Up Next
Catch the Lady Rebels at Cox Pavilion for back-to-back home games, first on Jan. 27 when they take on the New Mexico Lobos at 6 p.m., who are in first place in the Mountain West standings, for student appreciation night. Then, on Jan. 29 they will host Air Force at 2 p.m. as part of National Girls and Women in Sports Day.
