In a captivating showdown at UCLA’s Pauley Pavilion, the UNLV Lady Rebels faced off against the Creighton Bluejays in the first round of the NCAA Tournament. Despite a spirited comeback and a phenomenal individual performance from senior center Desi-Rae Young, the Lady Rebels were unable to secure their first NCAA Tournament win since 1991, falling to Creighton 87-73.

A Game of Runs and Sharpshooting

The match was characterized by its fast pace and sharpshooting, particularly from Creighton, who showcased their prowess from beyond the arc. The Lady Rebels, led by coach Lindy La Rocque, demonstrated resilience, clawing back from a double-digit deficit in the second quarter with a 7-0 run. However, Creighton’s senior guard Morgan Maly and reserve guard Kiani Lockett capitalized on transition opportunities, propelling the Bluejays to a 12-point halftime lead.

Despite a formidable effort to narrow the gap, UNLV was unable to contain Creighton’s offensive onslaught. The Bluejays, known for their exceptional 3-point shooting, lived up to their reputation by converting 15 of 34 attempts from distance. This contrasted with UNLV’s struggle from beyond the arc, making only 5 of 20 attempts.

Standout Performances

Desi-Rae Young’s performance was a bright spot for the Lady Rebels. Scoring 30 points on an impressive 15-of-19 shooting effort and grabbing nine rebounds, Young’s dominance in the paint was unmatched. This remarkable feat marked the most points scored by a Lady Rebel in the NCAA Tournament. Kiara Jackson also made significant contributions with 16 points, six assists, and five rebounds.

For Creighton, Lauren Jensen led the scoring charge with 25 points, including five 3-pointers, while Emma Ronsiek added 23 points, and Morgan Maly contributed 16 points. Their combined efforts kept Creighton ahead throughout the game, maintaining a comfortable double-digit lead in the second half.

Reflecting on the Season

Despite the loss, Coach La Rocque expressed immense pride in her team’s accomplishments throughout the season. Winning 30 games in back-to-back years is a testament to the team’s dedication and hard work. The daily commitment to excellence has propelled UNLV to new heights and set a foundation for future success.

The Lady Rebels dominated the paint, outscoring Creighton 46-24 in this area and tying the single-game Lady Rebels NCAA Tournament field goal record by shooting 32-for-63. However, the inability to counteract Creighton’s 3-point shooting ultimately sealed their fate.

Looking Ahead for UNLV Basketball

As the UNLV Lady Rebels basketball team bids farewell to their graduating senior, they simultaneously usher in a new era of promising talent. The team’s dynamics will inevitably evolve, but the legacy of this season’s achievements and the groundwork laid by its leaders have paved the way for a bright future.

One shining star to watch is Amarachi Kimpson. As a freshman, Kimpson has already made her mark with an impressive performance in the 2023-24 season. She averaged 9.0 points, 1.8 rebounds, and 1.9 assists per game, with a field goal percentage of 51.0%. Her contributions on the court have been instrumental in the team’s success.

The Lady Rebels’ journey in the NCAA Tournament may have ended earlier than anticipated, but their spirited performance against Creighton and this season’s accomplishments will not be forgotten. As they look to the future, the foundation established by this year’s team and the emerging talent of players like Kimpson ensures that the future is bright for UNLV women’s basketball. Kimpson’s potential and the skills she demonstrated in her freshman year indicate she will be a significant impact player for the Lady Rebels in the coming years. The UNLV Lady Rebels are poised for success, and the basketball world eagerly awaits their next move.