Jan. 15, 2005

Box Score

SAN DIEGO, Calif. - Early foul trouble and turnovers put UNLV into a 20-point halftime deficit, and a second half rally fell short as the Lady Rebels were upset by San Diego State 76-60 in the Mountain West Conference season opener for both teams on Saturday afternoon from the Cox Arena. UNLV fell to 9-6 with the loss as its five-game win streak was snapped, while the Aztecs improved to 6-7 overall.

UNLV's leading scorer and rebounder, RanDee Henry, was whistled for two quick fouls in the first three minutes of the game, and sat out the next 13 minutes. With their lone post player sitting on the bench, San Diego State took advantage of her absence by pounding the ball inside. With UNLV up 12-7, the Aztecs ran off a 16-2 spurt, and took a 23-14 edge on a trey from Elliott. Following three straight UNLV points, San Diego State closed the half on an 18-4 run. The Aztecs held a 41-21 lead at the half, the largest deficit for UNLV this season. They also shot 16-of-26 from the floor for 61.6%.

The Lady Rebels slowly chipped away at the lead in the second half led by Henry and Sheena Moore. The two had scored just a total five first-half points, but combined for 28 in the second half. After Shaw's layup made the score 58-44 for SDSU, UNLV scored six straight, cutting the lead to single digits on a jumper from Moore with 7:01 to play, 58-50. The Lady Rebels then forced a turnover on the next possession, but missed two shots on their end, and then turned the ball over, one of six UNLV turnovers over the next three minutes. San Diego State meanwhile scored eight unanswered to seal the victory.

Moore finished with 19 points, but a career-high nine turnovers. Henry finished with her eighth double-double of 14 points and 12 rebounds, while Sequoia Holmes added 14 points and eight rebounds. UNLV shot 42.6%, but were just 1-of-10 from three-point range, and a season-worst 7-of-15 at the line (46.7%). The Lady Rebels finished with 23 turnovers, and a season-low six steals, though won the rebounding battle 36-25.

San Diego State shot a season-high 59.1% (26-44) for the game. The Aztecs also made 12 of their first 13 shots from the line. Michelle Elliott and Ashley Cheesman both finished with 15 points to lead the team, while Michelle Strawberry and Shaw both poured in 11.

The Lady Rebels continue on the road as they will take on Wyoming in Laramie, Wyo., on Thursday at 7 pm (PST).