March 20, 2004

LAS VEGAS -

UNLV Second Round WNIT Game Notes in PDF Format
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UNLV is looking to advance past the second round of the Postseason Women's NIT for the first time in school history as the Lady Rebels host the Rice Lady Owls on Sunday afternoon in the Cox Pavilion at 2 pm. In the 2001 WNIT, the Lady Rebels moved to the second round before falling at Oklahoma State, but both their games that year were on the road, while this is the first year UNLV has hosted a WNIT game. They made the most of it on Thursday night, defeating Arizona State 50-47, their first win over a Pac-10 team since the 1989-90 season, breaking an 11-game losing streak against the conference.

UNLV brings a 23-7 record into the WNIT, and have the most wins of the teams still alive in the tournament. A win would give the Lady Rebels their most wins since a 24-7 mark in 1992-93. They are also 14-2 at home this season, including 12-1 in the Cox Pavilion. All-time, the Lady Rebels hold an impressive 31-4 record in the three-year old facility, and are 69-19 at home under Regina Miller.

The Lady Rebels have won off their offense, averaging a MWC-high 70.6 ppg and 44.5% shooting from the floor. They are 15-0 when they score 70 or more points this season. UNLV is also one of the top rebounding teams in the nation, ranked eighth in rebounding margin at +8.8. They will be taking on a strong defensive team in Rice, who leads the nation in blocks with 7.0 per game. They are 22-9 on the season, and finished second in the WAC with a 16-2 mark.