Lady Rebels Secure Comeback Victory Against Boise State in MW Championship Quarterfinals
The top-seeded UNLV Lady Rebels overcame a slow start to defeat No. 9 seed Boise State 62-57 in the Mountain West Championship quarterfinals on Monday. The win keeps the Lady Rebels’ hopes alive for a third consecutive conference tournament title and an automatic NCAA Tournament bid.
Boise State came out strong, leading for most of the first three quarters. The Broncos’ defense frustrated UNLV early, forcing turnovers and limiting offensive opportunities. Boise State took a 31-26 lead into halftime, fueled by a balanced scoring effort and efficient shooting. Meanwhile, UNLV struggled from the field, shooting below 40% in the first half.
However, the Lady Rebels, led by senior center Desi-Rae Young, responded in the second half. Young dominated in the paint, finishing with a double-double of 19 points and 11 rebounds. Her presence helped UNLV outscore Boise State 36-26 in the final two quarters. Guard Essence Booker also stepped up, adding 15 points, including clutch free throws in the closing minutes to seal the victory.
Defensively, UNLV tightened up after halftime, forcing turnovers and limiting Boise State’s second-chance opportunities. The Rebels’ full-court pressure and rebounding advantage proved to be the difference down the stretch.
With the win, UNLV advances to the Mountain West semifinals, where they will face No. 4 seed Colorado State. The Lady Rebels, who have dominated the conference in recent years, are looking to solidify their case for an NCAA Tournament berth.
Boise State, despite the loss, showed resilience and nearly pulled off an upset. The Broncos finish their season with a strong effort but fall short of a tournament bid.
UNLV now turns its focus to defending its Mountain West crown and securing another trip to March Madness.
