LAS VEGAS (UNLVRebels.com) — Nneka Obiazor had a double-double by halftime as the Lady Rebels built an insurmountable lead and cruised to victory in the opening game of the UNLV Thanksgiving Tournament.

UNLV (5-0) defeat UAlbany (3-2) 78-55 Friday at the Thomas & Mack Center.

Obiazor scored a game-high 19 points and grabbed a career-high 12 rebounds. 

"We figured we might have an advantage inside," UNLV Head Coach Lindy La Rocque said. "I thought Nneka was fantastic. She was playing really hard. 

"That's what we kind of expect when someone's number's called."

Essence Booker and Jasmyn Lott each scored 11 points. Justice Ethridge added 10. Lott was perfect from the field hitting all four field goals, including one 3-pointer, and two free throws.

UNLV led 19-8 after the first period and 45-22 at halftime. The Lady Rebels built as much as a 31-point lead in the third quarter before resting its starters for the weekend ahead.

"It is expected," Obiazor echoed. "We have a lot of amazing girls on our team. We share the ball; we make sure we hit the right plays."

UNLV shot 44 percent from the field and limited UAlbany to 33 percent shooting with just four second-chance points.

"We prepared this week knowing this (first) game really matters," La Rocque added. "It sets the tone for how you're going to feel going into the next game. We were really well prepared. I thought our scout was great and our team did an excellent job executing it."

Ellen Hahne and Karyn Sanford each scored 10 points for the Great Danes. Helene Haegerstrand, the team's leading scorer last year, added eight points in her first game of the season.

UNLV advances to play the winner of East Tennessee State and George Washington Saturday at noon at the Thomas & Mack Center.

The game will have live video available on the UNLV Athletics official YouTube page (YouTube.com/UNLVAthletics).