Balanced Attack and Star Power Lift Lady Rebels to 85-78 Victory Over DePaul
The Lady Rebels kept their early season momentum rolling with a hard fought 85-78 win over DePaul on Sunday afternoon at The Pavilion. This one was a battle from start to finish, featuring 11 lead changes and nine ties, but UNLV found a way to pull away late and secure the victory moving to 2-0 on the season.
HER Game, HER Spotlight: Meadow Roland & Aaliyah Alexander
Photo Credit: Maava Lerma
Let’s start with the engine that kept UNLV going Meadow Roland. She put together a huge performance with her second career double-double, finishing with 18 points and 15 rebounds. Meadow dominated on both ends of the floor, crashing the glass and setting the tone defensively with a career high 5 blocks. Every time DePaul tried to make a run, she was there to shut it down whether it was a putback bucket or protecting the rim. She played like a leader who wasn’t going to let her team drop this one at home.
Aaliyah Alexander matched that same energy, dropping 18 points of her own for the second straight game. Aaliyah’s confidence on the offensive end stood out again she stayed aggressive, got to her spots, and made key plays down the stretch when UNLV needed a bucket. She’s quickly proving to be one of the most reliable scoring options for this team and continues to show how consistent she can be in big moments.
Photo Credit: Maava Lerma
UNLV’s depth also showed up big. Jasmyn Lott added 12 points, Destiny Leo recorded her first double digit scoring game as a Lady Rebel with 11 points (including two clutch threes), and Shelbee Brown was a force inside with her own double-double 10 points, 11 rebounds, and a team high 5 steals.
The turning point came late in the third quarter. With the game tied at 53, UNLV went on a 10-0 run to build a double digit lead and never looked back. Even when DePaul tried to rally, a late dagger three from Mariah Elohim with under 30 seconds left sealed it.
UNLV controlled the paint all game long, scoring 50 of their 85 points inside, and showed composure at the free throw line, hitting 22 of 26. With this win, UNLV now holds the all-time record 3-2 over DePaul.
This win wasn’t just another “W” it showed the heart, balance, and depth of this Lady Rebels team. When one player needed a spark, another stepped up.
Next up, it’s a big matchup you don’t want to miss. The Lady Rebels host No. 16 Baylor on Friday, November 14 at 6 p.m. inside Cox Pavilion. Let’s Pack the Pavilion and show up for this squad they’re playing with purpose and pride, and it’s just the beginning of what’s shaping up to be a special season.