UNLV WOMEN’S BASKETBALL FALL AT BOISE STATE 79-49
Lady Rebels outscored by 30 from three-point range
UNLV’s offensive struggles in both shooting and turnovers paired with Boise State’s hot shooting from the floor led to the Lady Rebels suffering their largest setback of the season, 79-49 on Saturday afternoon in Mountain West women’s basketball action from the Taco Bell Arena. The Lady Rebels entered the game tied for second in the conference with the Broncos, but the loss now drops their record to 9-12 overall, 6-3 in league play. Boise State improved to 12-8, 7-2 in the MW.
The Broncos took control early, as UNLV was forced into 11 first half turnovers. Boise State was also on fire from three-point range in the first half, hitting 7-of-14 from downtown over the opening 20 minutes. Their first two gave them a 12-4 lead five minutes into the game. Mia Bell answered with a trey for UNLV to cut the edge to five, 12-7 with 14:41 on the clock. UNLV would go scoreless for the next 5:20 of the game, while missing six shots and committing five turnovers. Boise State took advantage of that drought with a 13-0 run, going ahead 25-7 on a three-pointer from Kayla Reinhart at the 9:39 mark.
Bell broke the scoreless streak with a jumper and Rejane Verin added a pair of free throws to bring UNLV within 14 points. BSU then closed the half scoring 17 of the last 25 points, and went into the break up 42-19. The Lady Rebels shot just 6-of-20(30%) from the floor in the half, and made 1-of-7 from three-point range after entering the game shooting 45% in league play.
The second half was not much better for UNLV, as it was held to 31% (9-of-29) shooting and 10 more turnovers. That led to the Broncos holding a 23-12 edge on points off turnovers, usually a stat that’s in favor for the Lady Rebels. UNLV would miss 12 of its first 14 shots from the floor in the second half, leading to a 40-point deficit, 66-26 with 10:06 to play. The Lady Rebels did make a late run, scoring 11 unanswered at one point and closing to within 25 before the game ended with the 30-point win for the Broncos.
Verin led UNLV with 17 points, including 11 in the second half. Bell was the only other player in double-figures with 10. UNLV’s final percentage from the field was 30.6% (15-of-49), 2-of-12 from three-point range for 16.7%, and 17-of-26 at the free throw line for 65.4%. The Lady Rebels did hold a 34-33 edge on the boards, but were -7 in the turnover category.
Five Boise State players finished in double-figures, led by Deanna Weaver’s 16 points. Kenna McDavis added 15, while Miquelle Askew posted 12. Five Broncos made at least one three-pointer, including three players with three treys each. The Broncos finished the afternoon shooting 48.4% (30-of-62) from the floor, 12-of-28 from three-point land for 42.9%, and 7-of-11 at the line for 63.6%.
The Lady Rebels return to action on Wednesday, Feb. 5, with a home contest against Colorado State at 7 pm. That is also Play 4Kay night at UNLV, with all fans wearing pink receiving $2 admission.