UNLV Lady Rebels Wrap Up Non-Conference Play with a Bang
The UNLV Lady Rebels wrapped up their non-conference schedule in style, cruising to an 80-57 win over the UC Riverside Highlanders. It was the kind of game that reminds you why this team is so special they’ve got talent, depth, and the heart to match.
Starters Set the Tone
The starting lineup came ready to ball, and their teamwork set the tone for the night:
McKinna Brackens (#21): McKinna made her presence felt, especially on the boards, finishing with 3 points, 4 rebounds (2 offensive), and 2 assists in 19 minutes. While her shot wasn’t falling (1-6 FG, 1-3 3PT), her effort and hustle were instrumental in setting the tone for the team.
Alyssa Brown (#44): Alyssa brought her usual hustle, grabbing 6 rebounds to go along with her 6 points. She wasn’t shy about attacking the basket, earning a trip to the line seven times.
Amarachi Kimpson (#33): Amarachi’s been on a tear this season, and tonight was no different. She dropped a team-high 13 points, hit two three pointers, and even swatted a shot for good measure.
Kiara Jackson (#3): Kiara played the role of floor general to perfection with 6 points, 5 assists, and 3 rebounds. Oh, and she’s now just 4 points away from hitting 1,000 career points a huge milestone that’s just around the corner!
Aaliyah Alexander (#25): Aaliyah added 8 points and 5 rebounds, draining two clutch three-pointers and locking down on defense when it mattered.
Bench Brings the Heat
UNLV’s bench came through in a big way, keeping the momentum rolling whenever they hit the court:
Meadow Roland (#32): Meadow was a beast off the bench, racking up 12 points and 7 rebounds. She made it look easy, shooting 5-7 from the field and crashing the boards like it was her personal mission.
Macie James (#20): Macie chipped in 7 points, 2 rebounds, and 3 assists. Her energy on both ends of the floor kept UC Riverside on their heels.
Kenadee Winfrey (#2): Kenadee was electric, matching her career-high with 12 points on 5-7 shooting. She also grabbed 4 rebounds and hit a huge three-pointer that had the crowd buzzing.
Everyone scored this game!!
By the Numbers
The Lady Rebels didn’t just win they dominated across the board:
Field Goals: 47.5% (29-61)
Three-Point Shooting: 41.7% (10-24)
Free Throws: 70.6% (12-17)
Rebounds: 40 (13 offensive, 27 defensive)
Assists: 22
Turnovers: 9
Whether it was their efficient shooting or relentless rebounding, UNLV made sure this game was theirs from start to finish.
HER Game, HER Spotlight: Meadow Roland and Kenadee Winfrey
Meadow Roland (#32): A Force on Both Ends
Meadow Roland once again proved why she’s a pivotal piece for the Lady Rebels, delivering a stellar performance off the bench.
Efficient Scoring: Roland tallied 12 points on an impressive 5-7 shooting, showcasing her ability to finish around the rim and hit mid range shots.
Board Dominance: She grabbed 7 rebounds, including 2 offensive boards, keeping key possessions alive and helping the team outmuscle their opponents on the glass.
Defensive Intensity: Meadow anchored the defensive effort with her physical presence, contesting shots and boxing out effectively.
Her ability to impact the game in multiple ways made her an irreplaceable contributor during crucial moments.
Kenadee Winfrey (#2): The Ultimate Spark Plug
Kenadee Winfrey brought energy and firepower off the bench, helping the Lady Rebels stay ahead in critical stretches.
Season High Scoring: Winfrey matched her season high with 12 points, shooting an efficient 5-7 from the field and hitting a timely three pointer to swing the momentum.
All-Around Impact: Along with her scoring, Kenadee added 4 rebounds and contributed to the defensive effort with smart positioning and hustle plays.
Game-Changer: Her ability to attack the basket, combined with her high basketball IQ, made her a reliable option in high-pressure moments.
Together, Meadow Roland and Kenadee Winfrey showed how impactful the bench can be, stepping up when it mattered most and solidifying the depth of the Lady Rebels’ roster. Their performances are setting the tone for what promises to be an exciting season.
What’s Next?
The Lady Rebels open Mountain West play at home against Fresno State on Sunday, Dec. 29, at 2:00 p.m. It’s the perfect chance to cheer on Kiara Jackson as she aims to hit the 1,000-point milestone you won’t want to miss it!
What was your favorite moment from the game? Let us know on social media. Go Lady Rebels! 🏀