March 10, 2005

DENVER, Colo. -

UNLV-New Mexico Semifinal Notes
Download Free Acrobat Reader

UNLV and New Mexico, who played two of the best games in the Mountain West Conference during the regular season, will face off for the third time this year in Friday's MWC women's basketball semifinals at Noon (MST) in the Pepsi Center. The Lady Rebels advanced by holding off fourth-seed Wyoming 64-59, while the Lobos blitzed eighth-seed San Diego State 81-52. Friday's game will also be broadcast on ESPN 920 AM in Las Vegas, instead of KSHP 1400, though the Lady Rebels will be back on KSHP on Saturday if they advance to the championship game.

Looking at recent history, New Mexico has won three of the last four meetings, though all four games were decided by five points or less. UNLV won the first meeting in Las Vegas 63-60 behind a second half surge from RanDee Henry, while the Lobos prevailed 68-65 in Albuquerque after hitting a pair of free throws with 30 seconds left for a one-point lead.

Taking another look at the two teams, New Mexico has been helped by the play of freshman forward Dionne Marsh, the MWC Newcomer of the Year. In her two career games against the Lady Rebels, she is 16.5 point and 5.5 rebounds while shooting 66.7% from the floor. Meanwhile, in her two years as a starter for UNLV, junior guard Sheena Moore has poured in an average of 18.3 points per game and hit 54% (28-of-52) from the field.

The top scoring team in the conference, UNLV's offense has been a key part in its rebound from a 2-5 start in MWC play. After scoring over 70 points just once in the first half of conference play, the Lady Rebels have scored 70 or more in four of the last eight games, all victories. They have also been dominating the boards, with a 10.3 rebound margin over the last eight games.