Closing statement: UNLV's late surge stops Lobo women

New Mexico guard Joana Magalhães (left) drives against UNLV guard Amarachi Kimpson during Sunday’s game at the Pit. Magalhães scored a season-best 16 points as the Lobos lost to the Rebels, 88-73.

UNM’s Vianè Cumber, center, battles UNLV defenders for the ball during Sunday’s game at the Pit. Cumber, the Lobos’ second-leading scorer on the season, was held to five points.

UNLV Alyssa Brown grabs the ball before UNM’s Amhyia Moreland can reach it during Sunday's game at the Pit.

UNM guard Alyssa Hargrove heads back onto the court after a timeout during the game against UNLV at The Pit on Sunday.

UNLV forward Mckinna Brackens, left, tries to get possession of the ball as guard Vianè Cumber reaches for it during Sunday's game at the Pit.

Ken Sickenger Ken Sickenger Ken Sickenger Journal Staff Writer

Published January 12, 2025 - 4:57 p.m. Modified January 13, 2025 - 10:16 a.m.

Saturday

New Mexico at Colorado State, 1 p.m., 610 AM/95.9 FM, themw.com (streaming)

The UNM and UNLV women’s basketball teams put on an entertaining, back-and-forth show Sunday afternoon in the Pit.

The Lady Rebels provided the closing statement.

With the Lobos leading 69-64 and 6:30 remaining, UNLV’s offense suddenly caught fire. The visitors hit five consecutive 3-pointers during a stunning 17-0 run that decided the outcome of an 88-73 Rebels victory.

UNLV was just 5-for-22 from 3-point range prior to its sudden surge. UNM, which traded runs with the Rebels throughout the game, had no answer for the final one. UNLV switched from man-to-man defense to a half-court zone in the fourth quarter, and the Lobos were unable to solve it with their top shooter on the bench.

The Rebels (13-4, 5-0 Mountain West) maintained their recent iron grip on the conference standings, improving to 40-1 against MWC opponents over the last three regular seasons. McKinna Brackens scored 20 points, but point guard Kiara Jackson was the biggest difference-maker with 17 points and nine assists.

UNM (11-7, 4-1) had its four-game winning streak snapped but came away with some positives after the nationally televised game in front of 5,767 energetic fans.

Destinee Hooks scored a game-high 27 points, freshman Joana Magalhães played her best game of the season and the shorthanded Lobos stood toe to toe with the Mountain West favorites — until the Rebels’ final blitz.

“It gave us confidence we can stick around with anybody,” said senior guard Alyssa Hargrove, who scored 13 points. “Now we know how (UNLV) plays and in the future we’ll be ready for it.”

Lobos coach Mike Bradbury offered a similar assessment.

“Give UNLV credit,” he said. “They went zone and it caused us problems, especially without (foul-plagued Viané Cumber) in the game. Offensively, they obviously hit some open 3s, but they also made some shots you’d generally be willing to give up. I liked the way we fought, UNLV just hit us with a great run.”

UNM had a lot to overcome. Starting post Amhyia Moreland played just 11:47 before being disqualified for two controversial intentional fouls. Neither was whistled when it occurred, instead coming after official reviews.

The second, called after a UNLV player ran into Moreland’s extended elbow as she boxed out on a free throw, sent Moreland to the bench for good with 9:03 left in the third quarter.

“It made a big difference,” Bradbury said. “Not having Amhyia affected our bench and we had to play small.”

The Lobos also had to overcome a quiet game from Cumber (five points), who was effectively swarmed by the Rebels and missed most of the final quarter with foul trouble. UNLV led 40-33 at halftime and stretched its margin to 46-35 early in the third quarter.

UNM fought back behind Hooks, Hargrove and Magalhães, attacking the basket and hitting the Rebels with a 19-7 run. A three-point play by Hooks gave UNM a 54-52 lead and energized the Pit fans.

“It was great having so many fans to support us. They made a big difference,” said Magalhães, who set season highs for points (16), rebounds (seven) and had two assists and a steal in 31 minutes.

Hargrove agreed, adding, “I think the fans gave us the energy to make those runs.”

The score was tied at 58 after three quarters and again at 60 and 64. A Paris Lauro jumper followed by a Hooks 3-pointer gave the Lobos a 69-64 advantage, but that’s when UNLV caught fire.

Five players hit 3-pointer for the Rebels, while UNM was unable to answer against UNLV’s zone defense — something the Lobos had seen little of prior to Sunday.

“That’s obviously something we’ll work on,” Bradbury said.

Bradbury also made a point to thank UNM’s fans for their support.

“I appreciate the 6,000 fans who came out for a national TV game and made it a great atmosphere,” he said. “I thought we represented the city and the university well, and the fans had a great game. I hope they come back for the next one.”

UNM has an open date Wednesday and visits Colorado State for a 1 p.m. game on Saturday.