LAS VEGAS (UNLVRebels.com) — The Lady Rebels rallied from a 10-point deficit, but didn't get the bounce on its game-ending shot and fell 75-72 to UT Arlington in the first game of the UNLV Thanksgiving Classic Saturday at Cox Pavilion.

Desi-Rae Young scored a team-high 19 points. Nneka Obiazor and Essence Booker added 15 and 14, respectively.

UT Arlington's Starr Jacobs scored a game-high 28 points.

The Lady Mavs grew a 28-18 lead 15 minutes after the opening tip, but UNLV locked down on defense and carved through the UT Arlington zone. Young found Khayla Rooks on a backcut layup and then converted a steal into an Alyssa Durazo-Frescas' 3-point make to open the baskets in UNLV's favor. 

The Lady Rebels hit nine of 11 field goal attempts in the final 5 minutes of the second period to take a 40-34 lead into the locker rooms.

Jacobs counted a second-chance layup for the first points of the second half and the teams remained within 4 points or less for the final quarter.

NEXT HOME GAME: UNLV faces Grambling State at noon tomorrow in the penultimate game of the Thanksgiving Classic at the Cox Pavilion. Following that matchup, Kansas City will meet UT Arlington at 2:30.

TICKETS: Admission to Lady Rebel games for UNLV students and all kids in high school and younger is free. High school students must show school I.D. Adult tickets are $6 each when purchased in advance of gameday and $10 on the day of the game. Season and single-game tickets for the 2021-22 season are on sale as well. For all ticket information and to purchase, visit UNLVtickets.com or call 702-739-FANS (3267).

NOTES:

• Nneka Obiazor saw her first start in an UNLV uniform and recorded her first double-double of the season with a 15-point, 11-rebound performance. Obiazor started all 18 games played as a freshman at Youngstown State last season.
• Essence Booker's efficiency was high once again as the Lady Rebels' starting point guard counted seven assists to just two turnovers in addition to her 14 points and three steals in Saturday's game.