LAS VEGAS (UNLVRebels.com) — Before tip-off there was hardly any uncertainty that the Lady Rebels would continue their winning streak. Once the ball was in the air, all doubt evaporated.

UNLV (26-2 overall, 16-0 Mountain West) cruised to an 86-32 victory over Utah State (4-23, 1-15) at the Cox Pavilion Thursday night in the program's most dominant victory in decades.

"Personally, this game was a big test for them in my mind," UNLV Head Coach Lindy La Rocque said. "They not only passed test but they kind of took a hold of it and made it their own. I'm really proud of them because now there's no looking back."

The Lady Rebels scored the first 12 points and led 23-2 after the first period. UNLV held Utah State to single-digit scoring in the first half, leading 48-9 at halftime.

Desi-Rae Young scored a game-high 19 points in 19 minutes. The 6-foot-2 center made her first-ever 3-pointer and dished a flashy coast-to-coast, fast-break assist as everything seemed to go UNLV's way.

"This is the time of the year when we have to be laser-focused on what we need to do to get better. That could have easily not happened. I think this result shows the determination of this group."

Essence Booker had the game's only double-double, albeit unconventional. Booker didn't score a point for the first time as a Lady Rebel. UNLV's point guard has lately reveled in the role of quarterback, dishing 10 assists to match her 10 rebounds. She's scored just four points in the past two games but delivered back-to-back double-digit assists games – the first two of her collegiate career.

Alyssa Durazo-Frescas was 6-of-12 from the field with five 3-pointers for 17 points. Kiara Jackson scored 12 and Alyssa Brown just missed a double-double with 10 points and nine rebounds.

Utah State's 32 points were the fewest allowed by UNLV since a 62-31 win over UC Santa Barbara on Jan. 22, 1987. It was UNLV's largest margin of victory since beating Central Connecticut State by 55 points, 83-28, on Dec. 2, 2001.

The Lady Rebels improved their winning streak to 17 consecutive games and have won their last 19 at home. 

UNLV's home finale is Saturday at 2 p.m. hosting San Diego State, who must win to earn the conference's tournament No. 2 seed. It will be the final game in the Cox Pavilion for seniors Booker, Justice Ethridge and Keyana Wilfred. The careers of the trio, along with former Lady Rebel Jade Thomas, will be celebrated following the game.