UNLV Finishes Strong in Fourth Quarter
UNLV closed the Thanksgiving Turkey Tip-Off with a 62–56 win over Northern Iowa on Friday afternoon at the Thomas & Mack Center. The Lady Rebels used timely shot-making from their veterans and a composed fourth quarter to move to 4–3 on the season.
The game shifted early in the third quarter when Meadow Roland, who began the half on the bench with three fouls, returned and immediately steadied UNLV. After UNI tied the game at 30 on a pair of free throws, the Lady Rebels responded with baskets from Jasmyn Lott and Roland to take back control.
Roland’s Fourth-Quarter Push Gives UNLV Separation
Roland delivered another decisive stretch late, scoring eight points in the fourth quarter and hitting two threes that stopped UNI runs. Her inside-out impact gave UNLV the separation it needed each time the Panthers cut the margin to single digits.
After the game, Roland said the team’s mentality from the opening tip carried them through tight stretches.
“Our number one goal was to come out here and throw the first punch, and we did that starting quarter out 12–0,” she said.
“I love being that person my team can fall back on. If in doubt, give it to me and we’re going to make a play — simple plays.”
Roland acknowledged the importance of a 2–0 week after a difficult three-game stretch.
“It just lets us know that we can do anything,” she said.
“It’s not going to be easy, but we can do it — and we just proved that we can do it.”
Brown, Lott and Alexander Deliver in Key Moments
Shelbee Brown provided key production down the stretch despite playing through foul trouble. Brown knocked down four straight free throws in the final minute to seal the win after UNI trimmed the margin to six.
Alexander opened the fourth with a transition layup that rebuilt an 11-point edge, while Lott connected on a late jumper in the paint with 2:01 remaining to push the lead back to 10.
UNLV also leaned on its depth, finishing with a 22–8 advantage in bench scoring and collecting 11 second-chance points.
Lady Rebels Grind Out Defensive Possessions
Northern Iowa stayed close behind the strong play of Taryn Wharton, who hit a three at 9:27 and a jumper in the final seconds to finish with multiple late buckets. Elise Jaeger added consistent interior scoring for the Panthers.
But the Lady Rebels forced 12 points off turnovers, held UNI to only five free-throw attempts, and matched the Panthers’ physicality in the paint throughout the second half.
Long Road Stretch Awaits as NFR Takes Over the Arena
With the Thomas & Mack Center converting for the National Finals Rodeo, UNLV now begins one of the most demanding stretches of its nonconference schedule.
The Lady Rebels head out for four straight road games:
-
Dec. 3 at UTSA (4:30 p.m. PT, ESPN+)
-
Dec. 6 at Rice (12 p.m. PT, ESPN+)
-
Dec. 13 at Cincinnati (11 a.m. PT, ESPN+)
-
Dec. 17 at Grand Canyon (5 p.m. PT, CBS Sports Network)
UNLV returns to Las Vegas on Dec. 20 at The Pavilion to host New Mexico on the Mountain West Network.
Related stories
UNLV Win Over Creighton: Lady Rebels Pull Away Late for 76–67 Victory
UNLV Lady Rebels vs Arizona State: Late 3-Pointer Hands UNLV a 56–53 Loss
