The Lady Rebels completed one of the greatest seasons in UNLV women’s basketball history, despite a loss to Michigan in the first round of the NCAA Tournament.
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Friday’s NCAA Tournament loss concludes the careers of Justice Ethridge, Essence Booker and Keyana Wilfred, who helped lead UNLV back to national prominance.
Essence Booker scored 16 points in her final game for UNLV, but Michigan’s size proved too much as the Lady Rebels lost in the first round of the NCAA Tournament.
Opponents have focused on junior center Desi-Rae Young all season, but the Lady Rebels are confident she can lead them to their first NCAA Tournament win since 1991.
Michigan women’s coach Kim Barnes Arico said UNLV’s depth and balance make them one of the country’s best teams. She also said the Lady Rebels’ Desi-Rae Young “can do everything.”
A look back at the 1988-89 Lady Rebels, who made the only trip to the NCAA Tournament Sweet 16 in the history of the UNLV women’s program.
UNLV will be one of 68 teams competing in the women’s NCAA Tournament, headlined by South Carolina, which is riding a 38-game undefeated streak.
No. 11 seed UNLV will play No. 6 Michigan on Friday at Pete Maravich Assembly Center in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, in the first round of the NCAA Tournament.
UNLV (31-2) is making its second straight trip to the NCAA Tournament after repeating as Mountain West regular-season and conference tournament champion.
UNLV will find out where it will head for the first round of the NCAA Tournament on Sunday. The public is invited to a free watch party at the Thomas & Mack Center.
UNLV women’s basketball coach Lindy La Rocque has laid a solid foundation for the program in two seasons. The Lady Rebels made the NCAA Tournament for the first time in 20 years.
Sophomore Desi-Rae Young scored 16 points, but No. 13-seeded UNLV lost to No. 4 Arizona Saturday at the McKale Center in the first round of the NCAA Tournament.
Without 2021 NCAA Tournament star Aari McDonald, who graduated, Arizona’s offense has lagged. The Wildcats were upset by Colorado in the Pac-12 quarterfinals.
Legendary Arizona men’s basketball coach Lute Olson was UNLV coach Lindy La Rocque’s godfather. Her father, Al, played for Olson at Long Beach City College.
With several changes including an expanded field, the 2022 NCAA women’s basketball tournament has the potential to be special.