Lady Rebels Shine Against Fresno State: A Night of Milestones and Teamwork
The Lady Rebels kicked off Mountain West play in style, securing a dominant 78-53 win over the Fresno State Bulldogs on Sunday. From the opening tip to the final buzzer, it was clear the Lady Rebels came to make a statement and they did it with grit, teamwork, and a touch of history.
Team Performance
The Lady Rebels were firing on all cylinders, shooting an impressive 52.6% from the field and dominating the glass with 42 rebounds. Defensively, they stood strong, racking up 7 blocks and 5 steals, while holding Fresno State to just 53 points.
Starting Lineup
McKinna Brackens (#21): McKinna had a standout performance, leading the team with 15 points, 8 rebounds, and 5 assists, while shooting an efficient 6-8 from the field. She was a force on both ends of the court.
Alyssa Brown (#44): Alyssa added 12 points, 8 rebounds, and a team-high 6 assists, showcasing her versatility.
Amarachi Kimpson (#33): Amarachi continued her consistent scoring streak with 12 points and added 5 rebounds to complement her solid defense.
Kiara Jackson (#3): Kiara contributed 10 points and 6 rebounds, connecting on two three-pointers.
Aaliyah Alexander (#25): Aaliyah added 7 points, 4 rebounds, and a key three-pointer to keep the momentum rolling.
Key Bench Contributions
Meadow Roland (#32): Provided a spark off the bench with 12 points and 4 rebounds in just 18 minutes.
Macie James (#20): Chipped in 4 points and added 2 assists with poise.
Erica Collins (#31): Made the most of her time with 4 points and a perfect 2-2 from the free-throw line.
UNLV showcased their depth and teamwork, with both starters and bench players making significant contributions. Their ability to control the tempo and execute on both ends of the court was evident throughout the game.
HER Game, HER Spotlight
Kiara Jackson: Joins the 1,000-Point Club
Sunday’s game against Fresno State wasn’t just another win for the Lady Rebels it was a milestone moment for senior guard Kiara Jackson. Late in the second half, Kiara drove to the basket and scored on a layup, officially joining the 1,000-point club. The arena erupted in cheers, and you could feel how much this meant not just to Kiara, but to her teammates, coaches, and fans.
Kiara’s performance against Fresno State was nothing short of stellar. She recorded 10 points, 6 rebounds, and 1 assist while playing 28 minutes. Her leadership and ability to set the tempo were on full display, as she also contributed defensively with her hustle and court awareness.
Head coach Lindy La Rocque summed up the moment perfectly:
"It was a big game for Kiara Jackson reaching 1,000 points, just the epitome of a great college student-athlete, a four-year player. There's no one more deserving than her. I'm happy for her to reach that milestone in our program."
As a four-year player, Kiara has been the heart and soul of the Lady Rebels. Her journey to 1,000 points speaks volumes about her work ethic, resilience, and dedication to the team. Whether she’s making plays, locking down on defense, or leading by example, her impact goes far beyond the stat sheet.
For Kiara, this milestone is a celebration of everything she’s given to the game and the team. And with plenty of basketball left this season, there’s no doubt she’ll continue to lead the Lady Rebels in even bigger moments.
Congratulations, Kiara you’ve made your mark, and we’re all so proud of you!
Alyssa Brown: A Senior Stepping Up in Style
Alyssa Brown showed why she’s a cornerstone of the Lady Rebels’ success with her standout performance against Fresno State. The senior forward delivered an all-around effort, finishing the game with 12 points, 8 rebounds, and 6 assists in 24 minutes. Alyssa’s impact wasn’t just in the stat sheet it was in the energy and leadership she brought to the court.
From controlling the boards to finding her teammates with precision passes, Alyssa played with the kind of maturity and poise you expect from a senior. Her ability to contribute in so many ways whether it’s scoring in the paint, facilitating plays, or leading the team’s defensive charge is a big reason why the Lady Rebels continue to dominate.
Alyssa’s journey has been one of perseverance and growth, and this season she’s leaving it all on the court. She’s not just a senior leading her team. She’s a player setting an example of what it means to compete with heart and hustle.
As the Lady Rebels prepare for their upcoming games against San José State and Boise State, Alyssa’s presence will be pivotal. She’s the kind of player who makes everyone around her better, and her leadership will be key as the team looks to build on their impressive season.
Here’s to Alyssa Brown a player who doesn’t just play the game but elevates it. Her dedication and all-around contributions are a testament to her hard work and passion for basketball.
Looking Ahead
With their first Mountain West victory in the books, the Lady Rebels look to carry this momentum into their upcoming games against San José State January 1st and Boise State January 4th. They’ll return to the Cox Pavilion on January 8th to face the Colorado State Rams at 6:30 PM. With their depth, talent, and determination, the team is poised to continue their impressive season.
Go Lady Rebels!