PHOENIX, Ariz. (UNLVRebels.com) - Four different Lady Rebels scored in double-digits as the UNLV women's basketball team defeated Grand Canyon 61-60 in the Mountain West opener on Wednesday night at Global Credit Union Arena. The Scarlet & Gray (6-5, 1-0) now hold the overall series 2-1 over the Lopes (1-10, 0-1).
Jasmyn Lott led the way and scored 20 points by shooting 9-for-18 from the field and was a perfect 2-for-2 from long range.
Meadow Roland was the second-leading scorer on the night with 14 points. Roland only missed one of her shots taken and was 7-for-8.
Shelbee Brown nearly had a double-double of 11 points and brought down a team-high nine rebounds.
Aaliyah Alexander also had 11 points and dished a team-high four assists.
The Lopes were led by Anisa Jeffries' 12 points and Ines Zounia's 10 points. Julianna LaMendola was the leading rebounder for GCU with 10 boards and she also dished a team-high five assists.
THE TURNING POINT: In the fourth quarter, Alexander cut the Lopes' deficit to four, 48-44, on a three-point play. UNLV and GCU then exchanged baskets before the Scarlet & Gray scored six straight points including a beauty of a layup by Lott to tie the game 52-all. The Lady Rebels and Lopes then went back and forth, until GCU took a one-point lead, 60-59, at the free throw line with 18 seconds left to play. UNLV answered with a Roland basket to make it 61-60 with only 11.3 seconds left to play. The Lady Rebels then put pressure on the Lopes that forced a turnover and GCU to foul. The Scarlet & Gray inbounded the ball two seconds left and held onto it to collect the victory.
STAT OF THE GAME: The Lady Rebels and Lopes exchanged the lead six times and were tied three times throughout.
OTHER NOTES:
- UNLV out-shot GCU 50.0% (26 of 52) to 40.3% (25 of 62).
- The Lady Rebels forced 15 Lopes turnovers and scored 11 points off them.
- Lott tied her career-high in blocks with two.
- Trystan James collected her first collegiate steal against GCU.
- UNLV won the paint battle 36-34.
- GCU out-rebounded UNLV 40-22.
UP NEXT: The Lady Rebels will finally be back on home court to host New Mexico on Saturday, Dec. 20 at 1 p.m. at The Pavilion. This game is part of a holiday doubleheader with the men's squad who will play Fresno State at 4 p.m..
