LAS VEGAS – Expectations are high for the UNLV Lady Rebels after three consecutive trips to the NCAA Tournament.
The reigning three-time Mountain West Conference champions are expected to repeat as champions in the league’s preseason poll.
The Lady Rebels started their journey toward a fourth straight Mountain West title with a convincing 94-63 exhibition victory against Point Loma at Cox Pavillion on Tuesday.
Big ol' exhibition dub!!!! ???? pic.twitter.com/CFZ1j3bZT3
— UNLV Lady Rebels (@UNLVLadyRebels) October 30, 2024
“Frankly, I’m really proud of them. We have a lot of new and inexperienced that have different jitters and nervousness,” UNLV coach Lindy La Rocque said. “t’s just great to play against a different team and have everyone have success. Looking at the box score. Every player scored. Every player that was healthy played. Everyone stayed healthy.
“Proud of our group and excited to get the games going.”
UNLV starts its season Nov. 4 against Loyola Marymount at Cox Pavillion.
Here are some more takeaways from the game.
Replacing Desi-Rae Young
The Lady Rebels lost a significant player in center Desi-Rae Young, the 2023-24 Mountain West Player of the Year.
Young, who’s a member of Phoenix Mercury, averaged 18.3 points per game and 9.1 rebounds last season for UNLV.
La Rocque doesn’t expect it to be one person to replace Young’s production.
“It’s identifying the opportunity that’s out there with points, rebounds, passion plays, heart and hustle,” she said.
La Rocque listed forwards Meadow Roland, Alyssa Brown, and McKinna Brackens as players who can help fill Young’s departure.
Balanced Lady Rebel Scoring
Six Lady Rebels scored in double figures, led by Amarachi Kimpson and Macie James’s 14 points.
“We came out swinging tonight,” Brown said. “It was good to see everyone get good playing time. We got up and down the court tonight. It was fun. Better than practice.”
UNLV shot 45.3 percent from the floor and 31.8 percent from 3-point territory.
“We’ll be really balanced this year. It can be any person’s night,” La Rocque said. “They’re all capable of 30-point games. We did a great job sharing the ball and being aggressive.”
Playing the Right Way
The Lady Rebels did a great job focusing on what they can control: rebounding and effort plays.
UNLV outrebounded Point Loma 44-25 with 12 offensive rebounds.
“For us, it’s all about our energy, effort, and attitude. We can control rebounding. We did a pretty good job at that,” La Rocque said. “We can control our hustle plays. We got on the floor for some loose balls like the 50-50 balls. Overall, my expectation for the exhibition was fulfilled. Everything I was hoping it would be and more.”
Paul Delos Santos is the Las Vegas sports insider for Dice City Sports. Follow him on X at @PaulDelos_.
