Commanding Start Sets Tone Against Bulldogs (Image Credits: Pixabay)
Las Vegas – The second-seeded UNLV women’s basketball team dominated No. 7 Fresno State 79-65 in the Mountain West tournament quarterfinals to secure its place in the semifinals for the fifth consecutive year.[1][2]
Commanding Start Sets Tone Against Bulldogs
UNLV jumped out to an 8-0 lead early and never looked back, outscoring Fresno State 24-9 following the Bulldogs’ first timeout.[1] The Lady Rebels shot 50 percent from the field and drained 12 three-pointers in the victory on Sunday at the Thomas & Mack Center.[2]
Meadow Roland paced the team with 19 points and nine rebounds, including three offensive boards, while Shelbee Brown contributed 14 points on efficient 6-of-8 shooting.[2] Destiny Leo added 12 points on 4-of-5 field goals, including four three-pointers, and matched the team high with four assists.[2] Sydni Summers sparked the bench with six points on 2-of-3 from beyond the arc in the opening quarter.
Head coach Lindy La Rocque emphasized the importance of an aggressive start after watching earlier upsets in the tournament, including top-seeded San Diego State’s loss to No. 9 Air Force and Boise State’s narrow win over New Mexico.[1] “We just try to learn from other people’s lessons,” La Rocque said. “Anything can happen in March.”[3]
Standout Performers Fuel UNLV’s Momentum
Both Roland and Brown earned Mountain West honors earlier in the week, with Roland on the All-Mountain West first team and All-Defensive team.[1] The Lady Rebels forced 14 Fresno State turnovers, converting them into 19 points, and held a slight 33-28 edge on the boards.[2]
Partner offer
La Rocque praised graduate transfer Destiny Leo for stepping up in the spotlight. “She knows she’s only got a handful left,” the coach noted. “I thought today was a good start for her.”[1] UNLV improved to 22-10 overall and 16-5 in conference play, extending a 12-game win streak that included a sweep of Fresno State this season.[2]
- Meadow Roland: 19 points, 9 rebounds, 3 assists
- Shelbee Brown: 14 points (6-8 FG), All-MW honorable mention
- Destiny Leo: 12 points (4-5 FG, 4 3PT), 4 assists
- Sydni Summers: 6 points (2-3 3PT) off bench
Rams Survive on Buzzer-Beater Thriller
No. 3 Colorado State punched its semifinal ticket with a 61-59 escape over No. 6 Grand Canyon, capped by senior Madeline Bragg’s banked game-winner at the buzzer.[4] The Rams staged their largest tournament comeback since 2016, overcoming a 12-point deficit while forcing key turnovers late.[4]
Kloe Froebe led with 15 points and five rebounds, as Colorado State reached the semifinals for the fourth time in five years.[4] Coach Ryun Williams credited his team’s resilience: “They really kept believing.”[4] The Rams handed UNLV one of its few losses this season, winning 77-61 on February 25.[5]
High Stakes in Tonight’s Semifinal Showdown
The Lady Rebels face the Rams tonight at 7:30 p.m. PT in a rematch carrying tournament implications.[1] UNLV seeks to extend its semifinal streak and position for an NCAA bid, drawing on home-court energy at the Thomas & Mack Center.
Both teams boast strong records, with Colorado State entering on a surge after the dramatic quarterfinal.[4] Roland reflected on team unity post-win: “It feels great to have your whole team have your back.”[3]
Key Takeaways
- UNLV’s fifth straight semifinal appearance underscores program consistency.
- Rams’ buzzer-beater victory highlights their clutch play in March.
- Revenge factor looms after Colorado State’s regular-season win over the Lady Rebels.
A victory tonight propels UNLV toward another championship game and bolsters its postseason resume. What do you think will decide this matchup? Tell us in the comments.
Partner offer
Planning a trip to Vegas?
Compare hotel rates and show tickets on VEGAS.com.
