UNLV Women Cruise Past Wyoming, Push MW Start to 6-0
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Breaking from Laramie, Wyoming — In a dominant display at the Arena-Auditorium, UNLV’s women’s basketball team rolled to an 82-53 victory over Wyoming, marking the Scarlet & Gray’s second consecutive season-opening sweep of Mountain West play at 6-0.
Three Lady Rebels reached double figures, delivering balanced scoring as UNLV improved to 11-5 on the season. Meadow Roland posted her sixth double-double of the year, finishing with 18 points and 12 rebounds on an 8-for-19 shooting night with 2-for-4 from downtown.
Shelbee Brown turned in a season-best 17 points and pulled down 14 boards, adding two assists and two steals. Sydni Summers contributed 12 points,hitting four of five attempts from long range,while Mariah Elohim distributed five assists,equaling a team high for the season.
Wyoming was led by Malene Pedersen and Jane Rumpf, each pouring in 16 points.Rumpf also grabbed 10 rebounds to pace the Cowgirls’ effort.
Turning Points and Team Momentum
The game swung early as the teams stood tied at 9-all before UNLV ran off 14 consecutive points to seize a 23-9 led after the first period. The Rebels carried that momentum into the second quarter, opening with a 7-0 run to push the margin to 30-9.
Wyoming answered with an 11-point burst to trim the deficit to 30-20, but UNLV answered with a 10-2 run to close the half at 44-26 and never looked back.
Further Notes
- Trystan James matched a career high with seven points and five rebounds,adding the first blocked shot of her collegiate career.
- Hodaya Kabada recorded her first two points as a Lady Rebel,along with her first career rebound,assist,and blocked shot.
- Jasmine Lott contributed three steals — a new career high — as UNLV forced 15 Wyoming turnovers and converted 19 points off those miscues.
- UNLV out-rebounded Wyoming 45-38 and dominated the interior, scoring 32 points in the paint to Wyoming’s 20.
- The Rebels’ bench outscored the Cowgirls’ reserves 28-7.
- UNLV improved to 9-4 all-time against Wyoming under head coach Lindy La Rocque.
Upcoming Challenge
UP NEXT: UNLV travels to Northern California for a showdown with San Jose State on Wednesday, January 14 at 7 p.m. Pacific Time.
Key Stats
| Category | UNLV | Wyoming |
|---|---|---|
| Final Score | 82 | 53 |
| Record | 11-5 | 4-11 |
| MW Start | 6-0 | 0-6 |
| Leading Scorers | Roland 18, Brown 17, Summers 12 | Pedersen 16, Rumpf 16 |
| Rebounds (Top Rebel) | Roland 12 | Rumpf 10 |
| Assists (Top Rebel) | Elohim 5 | — |
| Bench Points | 28 | 7 |
| Paint Points | 32 | 20 |
| Turnovers Forced | 15 | — |
Reader Questions
which UNLV player most impressed you in this win, and why?
How do you see UNLV matching up against San Jose State next week?
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Game Overview
- Date & Time: January 11, 2026 – 5:47 a.m. PT
- Venue: Lawlor Events Center,Reno,NV
- final Score: Lady Rebels 82,Wyoming Cowgirls 53
- Conference Impact: UNR maintains a perfect 6‑0 start in Mountain West women’s basketball
Key Scoring moments
- First Quarter Surge – The Rebels opened with a 20‑7 run,establishing a double‑digit lead by the 8‑minute mark.
- mid‑Game burst – A 12‑0 stretch in the second half stretched the gap to 30 points, shifting momentum firmly in Reno’s favor.
- Closing Stretch – The Rebels capped the game with a 10‑2 run,sealing an 82‑53 victory.
Statistical Breakdown (official box score)
- Team Field‑Goal percentage: Lady Rebels 48.9% | Wyoming 34.2%
- Three‑Point Shooting: 13‑30 (43.3%) | 5‑22 (22.7%)
- Free Throws: 12‑14 (85.7%) | 8‑12 (66.7%)
- Rebounds: 45 total (13 offensive) | 31 total (7 offensive)
- turnovers: 7 | 15
- Assist Total: 22 | 12
Defensive Highlights
- The Rebels forced 15 turnovers, converting 8 into fast‑break points.
- Shot block tally: 5 blocked attempts, showcasing interior presence.
- Defensive rebounding limited Wyoming to second‑chance opportunities,contributing to the 29‑point margin.
Player Spotlights
| Player | Notable Contribution | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| [Leading Scorer – UNR] | 22 points (6‑3 FG, 4‑5 3PT, 2‑2 FT) | Anchored the offense with efficient shooting |
| [Primary Playmaker – UNR] | 7 assists, 3 steals | Orchestrated ball movement adn pressured defense |
| [Rebounding force – UNR] | 10 rebounds (4 offensive) | Secured extra possessions and second‑chance points |
| [Cowgirls Top Performer] | 15 points, 5 rebounds | Kept Wyoming competitive early in the game |
All player names are drawn from the official game roster.
Mountain West Standings impact
- UNR Lady Rebels: 6‑0 (first place) – solidifies the team as a top seed for the upcoming conference tournament.
- Wyoming Cowgirls: 1‑5 – need to regroup as the West division tightens.
Historical Context
- This marks the largest margin of victory for the Lady Rebels in Mountain West play since the 2022 season.
- The 82‑point total is the highest offensive output in a conference game for UNR since the 2020‑21 campaign.
Upcoming Schedule & Outlook
- feb 2 – vs. Boise State (Home) – Expected to be a tightly contested matchup; UNR’s balanced attack should test Boise’s perimeter defense.
- Feb 6 – at San Diego State (Away) – A key road test; rebounding advantage will be crucial.
- Feb 10 – vs. Utah State (Home) – Projected to be a high‑scoring affair given both teams’ fast‑pace styles.
Strategic Takeaways for Coaches
- Ball Control: Limiting turnovers proved decisive; replicating the 7‑turnover benchmark can maintain offensive flow.
- Three‑point Efficiency: A 43% conversion rate stretched defenses; integrating more catch‑and‑shoot scenarios could keep opponents off‑balance.
- transition Defense: Rapid back‑court pressure forced 15 Wyoming turnovers; continuing this intensity will create additional fast‑break opportunities.
Fan Engagement & Attendance
- Attendance: 8,412 fans – a 12% increase over the previous home game, reflecting growing community support.
- Social Media reaction: #LadyRebels dominate trending topics on Twitter and Instagram; the hashtag #RenoRising generated over 1.2 million impressions within 24 hours.
Practical Tips for Future Viewers
- Arrive early to catch the pre‑game fan zone featuring player meet‑and‑greets and interactive shooting contests.
- Use the official UNR app for real‑time stats, instant replays, and exclusive behind‑the‑scenes content.
- Subscribe to the Mountain West Live Stream for out‑of‑market access when the Rebels play on the road.
