LAS VEGAS (Interstat) — The UNLV women’s basketball team defeated Nevada 81-64 in a Mountain West Conference game Saturday at Thomas & Mack Center. The Runnin’ Rebels improved to 18-9 overall, while the Wolf Pack fell to 8-19. UNLV took control with a 22-point second quarter to lead 43-37 at halftime and pulled away with a 24-point fourth quarter. Nevada, which led 23-21 after the first quarter, was held to 12 points in the third. The attendance was 1,235. UNLV swept the regular-season series after a 62-57 win last month.

LAS VEGAS (Interstat) — The UNLV women’s basketball team used a dominant second quarter and a standout all-around performance from Meadow Roland to pull away from in-state rival Nevada for an 81-64 victory in a Mountain West Conference game Saturday at the Thomas & Mack Center. A crowd of 1,235 saw the Runnin’ Rebels improve to 18-9 overall, while the Wolf Pack fell to 8-19. The win completed a regular-season sweep for UNLV, which also won 62-57 in Reno on Jan. 24. The most important stretch of the game came in the second quarter, where UNLV turned a tight contest into a double-digit lead it would never relinquish. After a competitive first quarter that ended with UNLV leading 21-23, the Rebels seized control with a 22-14 second period. The surge was fueled by efficient offense and defensive stops, extending the halftime margin to 43-37. This cushion proved critical as Nevada, despite a strong start, could not mount a sustained comeback in the second half. Roland, a 6-foot-2 forward from Fresno, California, was the engine for UNLV, finishing with 22 points, six assists and four blocks in 33 minutes. Her presence on both ends of the floor was pivotal, impacting the game with scoring, playmaking and rim protection. She was supported by Aaliyah Alexander, who added 18 points, while Shelbee Brown and Mariah Elohim each chipped in 12 points. Nevada was led by Imbie Jones with 13 points, while Ahrray Young contributed 11 points and six assists. Skylar Durley and Maia Rosarion each scored 12 points for the Wolf Pack. The statistical disparity told the story of UNLV’s efficiency. The Rebels shot a sharp 10 for 23 from three-point range and an exceptional 17 for 18 from the free-throw line. Nevada, conversely, struggled mightily from distance and the charity stripe, connecting on only 2 of 12 three-point attempts and a crippling 2 of 12 free throws. Despite being outscored 42-30 in the paint and committing one more turnover, UNLV’s superior shooting and a 111.6 offensive rating on 73 possessions proved too much for Nevada to overcome. The Wolf Pack managed an offensive rating of just 84.5 on 76 possessions. The game was a contrast in season trajectories. UNLV solidified its position in the upper tier of the Mountain West, while Nevada’s struggles continued, dropping its fourth consecutive game. UNLV next travels to face Colorado State on Wednesday. Nevada returns home to host San Jose State, also on Wednesday.

Preview: Nevada Wolf Pack at UNLV Runnin’ Rebels LAS VEGAS (Interstat) — The UNLV women’s basketball team looks to complete a regular-season sweep of in-state rival Nevada when the teams meet in a Mountain West Conference matchup Saturday at the Thomas & Mack Center. The Runnin’ Rebels (17-9, 8-5 MW) enter the contest holding a firm upper hand in the standings, while the visiting Wolf Pack (8-18, 3-10) seeks to salvage a split and snap a four-game losing skid. UNLV defeated Nevada 62-57 in Reno on Jan. 24, a game in which Rebels standout Meadow Roland recorded a double-double with 13 points and 10 rebounds. Roland, a dynamic force for UNLV, enters Saturday’s game averaging 21.2 points over her last three contests. She is coming off an 18-point performance in an 80-62 loss at San Diego State on Wednesday. For the season, she has been a consistent contributor, posting six double-doubles and anchoring the Rebels on both ends of the floor. Nevada, which fell 70-59 at Colorado State on Wednesday, will look for a spark from guard Maia Rosarion. The sophomore has shown flashes of high scoring, including a 16-point effort in 18 minutes against the Rams and a 14-point game against San Diego State last month. Her production off the bench will be critical for a Wolf Pack offense averaging just 59.2 points per game. UNLV has dominated the series at home in recent years and holds a significant advantage in conference positioning. A win would bolster its seeding for the upcoming Mountain West tournament. Nevada, meanwhile, is playing for pride and momentum, aiming to disrupt its rival’s plans and build confidence for its final three regular-season games. The game is scheduled for a 2 p.m. PST tip-off. Following this contest, UNLV will travel to face Colorado State on Wednesday, while Nevada will host San Jose State on Feb. 25.