LAS VEGAS (UNLVRebels.com) –
Kiara Jackson led the way with a career-high 27 points as the UNLV Lady Rebels defeated San Diego State 75-65 on Wednesday night at Cox Pavilion.
Jackson had 17 points before halftime by shooting 6-for-12 from the field, 4-for-6 from the three and 1-for-1 from the charity stripe. She also had six assists by the break, and finished the night with nine assists to lead the Scarlet & Gray (20-5, 12-1).
McKinna Brackens was the second-leading scorer on the night having 13 points. Brackens shot 6-for-9 from the field and made one three-pointer. Brackens was also tied for the lead with rebounds, bringing down six defensive boards.
Amarachi Kimpson was also in double-digits with 12 points by shooting 4-for-7 and 4-for-4 from the free throw line. Kimpson also tied for the lead in rebounds with six (one offensive and five defensive).
The Aztecs (17-9, 6-7) were led by Veronica Sheffey who collected 20 points and Kim Villalobos who had 17 points. Cali Clark was the leading rebounder for San Diego State bringing down seven boards.
GAME OF RUNS: Right after the Aztecs hit back-to-back baskets, the Lady Rebels scored seven straight points. Both squads went back and forth, before UNLV scored five straight points to go up by double-digits 26-16 with 1:15 left in the first. UNLV then scored another seven straight at the beginning of the second quarter going up by 14, at 33-19. The Aztecs then had a nine-point run of their own to close the gap to five at 40-35 with 1:09 left to go before the half. Following the break, UNLV and San Diego State went back and forth again before the Aztecs went on a 12-point run to close the quarter out only down by five, 59-54. In the final 10 minutes, the Lady Rebels were able to go back up by nine, 66-57, before they tallied another seven straight to make it another double-digit lead at 74-61. San Diego State hit the last shot with 0:35 to make it 75-65, but the Scarlet & Gray held onto the ball for the final seconds to collect the victory.
OTHER NOTES:
- The Lady Rebels scored 32 of their 75 points in the paint.
- UNLV forced 13 San Diego State turnovers and scored 17 points off them.
- The Lady Rebels had five steals, five blocks and dished 18 assists.
- San Diego State out-rebounded UNLV 34-30.
- The Lady Rebels and Aztecs split the regular season series 1-1, each having wins on their home court.
HIGHLIGHTS:
UP NEXT: UNLV will hit the road to visit in-state rival UNR on Saturday, Feb. 15 at 1 p.m. This game is part of the Silver State Series presented by America First.
