UNLV Running Rebels had a heart breaking loss to Boise State.
After digging a 22-point deficit in the first half of Thursday’s Mountain West quarterfinal game, the Running Rebels finally came to life, rallying to force overtime on a last-second shot by Shane Nowell. The celebration was fleeting, however, as Boise State dominated the OT period and eliminated UNLV, 87-76.
The last time the Rebels danced their way into the NCAA Tournament was 2013, and chances are that drought will continue.
The 7th seeded Running Rebels came out slow in their Semi-finals matchup against 2nd seeded Boise State, falling behind early after a 9-0 start from the Broncos.
Boise State came out firing, hitting 10 first-half three-pointers to build a 50-34 half-time lead over UNLV before the Rebels came alive.
The Rebels uses their up-tempo style of play and three-point shooting to chip away at the Broncos lead, and eventually took control at 65-64 with four minutes remaining after an and-one play from EJ Harkless.
Marcus Shaver Jr. led Boise St. on a 8-3 run to take back the lead 73-70, before Shane Nowell hit a 3-pointer to send the game into overtime. According to unlvrebels.com It was UNLV’s third straight overtime game and fifth of the season.
Naje Smith opened the overtime period with a three-pointer for Boise State, quickly shifting the momentum. Costly turnovers caused the Rebels to fall apart, as they were outscored 14-3 in overtime en route to the 76-87 defeat.
EJ Harkless and Justin Webster carried UNLV with 18 points a piece.
With an overall record of 19-13, chances are the Rebels will not secure an NCAA Tournament entry, but could get an invite to play in the NCAA NIT Tournament.
UNLV only has three outgoing players who don’t have any eligibility remaining: Harkless, senior point guard Jordan McCabe and senior guard Eli Parquet. They’re gone for sure, and Harkless’ absence will be felt particularly hard, as he led the team in scoring and assists this season.
UNLV Lady Rebels Own The Mountain West
The UNLV Lady Rebels continued their dominance of the Mountain West Conference with complete perfection.
Local fans poured into the Thomas & Mack in hopes of cheering their 21st ranked Lady Rebels to victory, and the team gave fans exactly what they wanted.
UNLV defeated Wyoming 71-60, becoming Back-to-Back MWC Champions. The Cowgirls attempt to upset the defending Champs, didn’t come easy thanks to the hometown Superstars Essence Booker and Desi-Rae Young.
Desi-Rae Young earned her 17th double-double scoring 28 points and snatching down 17 rebounds, as she was also named the MVP of the tournament. Teammate Essence Booker added 19 points and four rebounds to carry UNLV.
The Lady Rebels were undefeated against MWC teams with a perfect record of 21-0, to become the second team to ever do so since Colorado State in 2015.
The win was the 22nd consecutive victory for UNLV, and gives the team an automatic entry into the NCAA Tournament for the second straight year under Head Coach Lindy LaRocque.
According to unlvrebels.com Lindy La Rocque has quickly proven to be one of the most impactful head coaches in college sports as she crafted a championship-winning team in just two seasons at UNLV.
As the 13th seed in last year’s tournament, the team suffered a heartbreaking first round defeat to Arizona to end their season.
According to Desi-Rae Young, “This time around the Ladies have a different swag and are looking for revenge. I think this year, we are going to come out 10 times stronger, People should be mad that they are playing against us. People should be fearful of us because we are coming in with an aggression that we didn’t have that much last year. We want it this year.”
The team will have a few more days to soak in the win, as they await the excitement of Selection Sunday.
The Lady Rebels have extended an open invitation for the public to join them for Free Selection Sunday Watch Party.
It’s happening this Sunday March 12th beginning at 4pm at the Strip Pavilion inside the Thomas & Mack.
