Southern Methodist beats Lady Rebels on last-second shot

The UNLV women's basketball team gave up an eight-point lead in the final five minutes, losing 56-55 when Southern Methodist's Samantha Mahnesmith hit a jumper with five seconds left Monday night in the final game of the BTI Classic at the Thomas & Mack Center.

Markiell Styles' two free throws with 4:48 remaining put the Lady Rebels (5-6) up 51-43, but the Mustangs outscored UNLV 13-4 the rest of the way.

Two Kelli Thompson free throws gave UNLV a 53-47 edge with 3:39 remaining. All the Lady Rebels could muster from there were two more free throws from Sandrine Nzeukou with 1:01 left to make it 55-52.

Christine Elliott hit two free throws for SMU with 46 seconds left. On the Mustangs' final possession, Elliott grabbed an offensive rebound off a blocked shot and passed to Mahnesmith for the game winner.

Jamie Smith led UNLV with 13 points and 10 rebounds.