LAS VEGAS (UNLVRebels.com) -  UNLV opened the game on a 13-2 run and never looked back, as the Lady Rebels blitzed Utah State 69-45 in Mountain West women's basketball action Wednesday afternoon from the Cox Pavilion. In front of over 1,700 fans on the second Lady Rebel School Day of the season, UNLV was in control the entire game, with its largest halftime lead of the season (39-14) and taking a 27-point lead in the third quarter before closing out the 24-point victory. With the win, the Lady Rebels have tied their second-best start ever to MW conference play at 8-3, and will hold onto sole possession of third place in the conference, one game behind second place San Jose State (9-2).

UNLV dominated almost every category, as it held the Aggies to just 28% (14-of-50) from the floor and 2-of-9 (22.2%) from three-point range. The Lady Rebels held a 34-22 edge on points in the paint as well, and outrebounded USU by 17, marking the third straight game UNLV has held a double-digit rebound advantage. 

The Lady Rebels started slow on offense, hitting just 35% of their shots by led 17-8 after holding USU to just two made field goals. UNLV started to find its flow on offense in the second quarter, shooting 56% (including 4-of-9 from three-point range), on the way to a 22-point quarter, while the Aggies scored just six on 2-of-12 shooting. The Aggies did win the third quarter 17-11, before UNLV closed out the fourth quarter with a 19-14 advantage.

LADY REBEL OF THE GAME: In what was a very balanced game by the Lady Rebels, senior Rodjanae Wade was the only player in double-figures with 13 points and a game-high 11 rebounds for a double-double.

STAT OF THE GAME: With the large first half lead, UNLV went to its bench early and often, which would lead to a 36-4 advantage on bench points. A season-high 12 different Lady Rebels scored in the game, which also saw Mara Kemmer record both her first career rebound and assist while fellow walk-on Citalli Gurrola drained a three-pointer for her first career points in her first collegiate appearance. UNLV finished with a season-high tying eight three-pointers for the afternoon, six coming from the bench.

QUOTEABLE: "It was nice to come out with so much fire and defensive intensity. It was fun to do it in front of so many kids today, they loved it, we loved it. We got to play so many players today, everyone contributed, it was a total team effort." - UNLV head coach Kathy Olivier 

LADY REBEL NOTES

* - Wade's double-double gave her 13 on the season, moving her into a tie for ninth all-time at UNLV for double-doubles in a season.

* - UNLV shot 43.5% (27-of-62) from the floor, and made 7-of-8 at the line (87.5%).

* - The Lady Rebels moved to 19-0 all-time against Utah State in Las Vegas, and have won six straight in the series against the Aggies

* - The 24-point win margin was the most by UNLV in a MW conference game since a 66-37 win over Wyoming in Las Vegas on Jan. 9, 2016.

* - UNLV's 8-3 start to MW play matches the start by the 2001-02 squad, and trails only the 2017-18 squad (9-2 in first 11 games) which would win a share of the MW regular season title at 14-4.

* - The win improved the Lady Rebels record to 34-8 at home in MW play over the past five seasons.

NEXT TIME OUT: UNLV will start a two-game road trip with Saturday's 2 pm contest at conference front-runner Fresno State. This is the second meeting between the two, as the Bulldogs claimed a 72-66 win in the Cox Pavilion on Dec. 3.