Lady Rebels Secure Comeback Victory Against Boise State in MW Championship Quarterfinals
The UNLV Lady Rebels staged a thrilling second-half comeback to defeat Boise State in the Mountain West Championship quarterfinals, securing their spot in the semifinals. The top-seeded Rebels overcame a double-digit deficit to claim a hard-fought 68-60 victory at the Thomas & Mack Center.
Boise State came out strong, controlling the tempo early and building a 34-24 lead by halftime. The Broncos’ defense stifled UNLV’s offense, forcing multiple turnovers and limiting second-chance opportunities. Boise State’s leading scorer, Elodie Lalotte, dominated in the paint, helping her team maintain its advantage through the first two quarters.
However, the Lady Rebels showed why they are the tournament’s top seed, coming out of the break with renewed energy. Led by Mountain West Player of the Year Essence Booker, UNLV ramped up its defensive pressure, forcing Boise State into tough shots and capitalizing on transition opportunities. Booker finished with 19 points, including a crucial three-pointer that sparked the Rebels’ fourth-quarter surge.
Desi-Rae Young also played a pivotal role in the comeback, contributing 15 points and 10 rebounds. Her presence inside helped UNLV outscore the Broncos 44-26 in the second half. The Rebels took their first lead midway through the fourth quarter and never looked back, sealing the win at the free-throw line.
With the victory, UNLV advances to the Mountain West semifinals, where they will face the winner of the San Diego State–New Mexico matchup. The Lady Rebels, seeking their third straight conference tournament title, remain the favorites to claim the championship and secure an automatic NCAA Tournament bid.
