Semifinal Collapse Leaves Rebels Reeling (Image Credits: Unsplash)
Las Vegas – The UNLV women’s basketball team absorbed a painful semifinal loss in the Mountain West tournament yet refused to concede the end of their season.[1][2]
Semifinal Collapse Leaves Rebels Reeling
No. 2 seed UNLV confronted No. 3 Colorado State in a high-stakes matchup at the Thomas & Mack Center. The Lady Rebels started strong with a 10-2 run led by senior guard Aaliyah Alexander. They held a four-point edge entering halftime after trading leads.[2]
Colorado State seized control in the second half, dominating the paint 28-10 despite UNLV’s size advantage. The Rams pulled away with a 6-0 spurt in the fourth quarter. UNLV mounted a late 7-0 rally to close within four points, but a final desperation three-pointer rimmed out. The 66-59 defeat ended the Rebels’ automatic NCAA bid dreams and sent Colorado State to the championship against Air Force.[2]
Quarterfinal Momentum Falls Short
Earlier, UNLV dispatched No. 7 Fresno State 79-65 in the quarterfinals. Forward Meadow Roland paced the winners with 19 points, including a fast-break layup. Shelbee Brown added 14 points, while transfer Destiny Leo impressed with 12 on efficient 4-of-5 shooting.[3]
The Rebels shot 50 percent from the field and jumped ahead with an 8-0 opening surge. Coach Lindy La Rocque praised Leo’s poise under pressure. Roland set the tone early, declaring the team aimed to “throw the first punch.” That victory advanced UNLV to semis for the fifth straight year, building optimism for a deep run.[3]
A Season of Resilience and Challenges
UNLV entered the tournament at 20-10 overall and 15-5 in conference play, securing the No. 2 seed behind regular-season champion San Diego State. The roster blended nine newcomers, including six transfers, who gelled into a cohesive unit by season’s end. Brown stood out as the conference’s only player averaging a double-double in points and rebounds.[1][4]
Challenges marked the campaign. Sophomore Teagan Cole missed most games with injury, forcing Alexander into the point guard role. Non-conference losses came against Baylor, Montana State, Arizona State, Rice, and Cincinnati. La Rocque called it her toughest season amid personal struggles, yet the team posted 20 wins.[1]
- Meadow Roland: All-Mountain West first team and All-Defensive honoree, key scorer and rebounder.
- Shelbee Brown: Double-double machine, vital in the paint.
- Aaliyah Alexander: Warrior leader with 22 points in semis.
- Sydni Summers: Sharpshooter off the bench.
- Destiny Leo: Efficient contributor in big moments.
Postseason Dreams Fuel Determination
Though NCAA hopes faded, La Rocque vowed to pursue other opportunities. “I’m hopeful that it’s not over,” she said. “I’m going to try my hardest to make that happen in some postseason play.” Alexander echoed the sentiment: “I honestly don’t feel like we’re done. I still feel like we got practice tomorrow.”[1]
Last year, UNLV snapped a long drought with a WBIT opening win over Hawaii. A 21-11 finish positions them well for a similar invitation or the WNIT. La Rocque lauded Alexander as a “flat-out warrior” who adapted seamlessly.[1]
Key Takeaways
- UNLV ends 21-11, strong 15-5 MW mark despite five conference losses.
- Historic run: Fifth straight semis appearance, prior three MW titles.
- Postseason precedent: WBIT win last season signals potential.
The Lady Rebels’ unyielding spirit defines their legacy under La Rocque, who delivered three straight tournament crowns from 2022-2024. Whether WBIT or WNIT calls, their readiness shines through. What postseason path do you see for UNLV? Share in the comments.
