LAS VEGAS – The Boise State women’s basketball team faced a formidable challenge on the road Wednesday night, falling to conference powerhouse UNLV 83-53 at Cox Pavilion. Despite a promising start, the Broncos struggled to match the Lady Rebels' offensive firepower and relentless defense. This Boise State vs UNLV matchup highlighted the Broncos' need for improved execution as they near the end of the season.
Watch: Boise State battles UNLV as the Lady Rebels secure an 83-53 victory.
First Half: Trading Blows Early
The Broncos came out strong, keeping pace with UNLV in the first quarter, as both teams ended the period tied at 15. However, UNLV began to assert control in the second quarter, outscoring Boise State 25-13. The Rebels’ defensive intensity forced turnovers and difficult shot attempts, allowing them to build a 12-point lead heading into halftime.
Second Half: UNLV Pulls Away
After the break, UNLV continued to dominate on both ends of the floor, capitalizing on Boise State’s offensive struggles. The Broncos shot just 30.8% from the field and committed 17 turnovers, giving UNLV plenty of opportunities to extend their lead. The Lady Rebels outscored Boise State 19-13 in the third and delivered the finishing blow with a commanding 24-12 fourth quarter. Boise State's inability to generate consistent offense and UNLV's advantage on the boards proved too much to overcome.
Top Performers
Natalie Pasco (#32, G) led the Broncos with 12 points, hitting two three-pointers and going 5-of-12 from the field.
Elodie Lalotte (#23, F) battled on the boards, finishing with six rebounds to go along with four points and three assists.
Mary Kay Naro (#12, G) facilitated the offense, dishing out five assists while grabbing four rebounds.
UNLV’s Alyssa Kimpson (#33, G) stole the show, leading all scorers with 23 points as the Lady Rebels cruised to victory.
Stat Breakdown
Field Goal Percentage: Boise State 30.8% (20-65) | UNLV 47.2% (34-72)
Three-Point Shooting: Boise State 9-20 (45%) | UNLV 8-23 (34.8%)
Rebounds: Boise State 44 | UNLV 53
Turnovers: Boise State 17 | UNLV 8
Assists: Boise State 16 | UNLV 20
Boise State vs UNLV: What’s Next for the Broncos?
The loss drops Boise State to 16-13 on the season, while UNLV improves to 23-5 as they continue their dominant conference run. The Broncos will look to regroup and bounce back in their next matchup, aiming to strengthen their position in the Mountain West standings.
With the regular season winding down, Boise State will need to tighten up execution and limit turnovers as they prepare for the upcoming conference tournament. Their next game will be crucial in determining their seeding and momentum heading into postseason play. Stay tuned for details on Boise State’s upcoming contest!
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