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Another Test for the Mountain West Standard
The Lady Rebels return to The Pavilion on Sunday afternoon, looking to build on Wednesday’s 64-51 season-opening win over Washington State, while victory DePaul (1-0) arrives fresh off a dominant 92-54 win over Valparaiso.
Sunday marks just the fifth all-time meeting between the two programs and the first in Las Vegas since 2009. The series is tied 2-2 after UNLV’s convincing 80-61 road victory last December in Chicago.
UNLV: Rolling Into Form Early
UNLV’s opener against Washington State was the kind of gritty, up-and-down win that has defined the Lindy La Rocque era. The Lady Rebels dominated the paint, won the rebounding battle 42-34, and cashed in at the free-throw line, going 24-for-29.
Graduate guard Aaliyah Alexander led the way with 18 points, going 9-of-10 from the line, but it was the play of Meadow Roland that continued to shine. The reigning Mountain West Freshman and Sixth Player of the Year added 17 points and nine rebounds, while Jasmyn Lott tied a career-high 17 points on a perfect 8-for-8 night at the stripe.
UNLV also played stout defense in the opener. The Scarlet & Gray forced 20 turnovers and held WSU to just 8 points in the third quarter. Sophomore guard Teagan Colvin added a career-high seven rebounds in the win, continuing to develop as a tenacious energy piece in the backcourt.
DePaul: Dangerous on the Perimeter
The Blue Demons looked like a second-year Jill Pizzotti team primed to explode in the opener. DePaul poured in 11 three-pointers and 21 steals in their season-opening win over Valparaiso. Guard Ally Timm led all scorers with 28 points, but Natiah Nelson also made an early impression with 15 rebounds.
DePaul connected on 44% of its three-point attempts in the opener and will look to test a UNLV defense that held Washington State to 20% from three. Expect La Rocque’s rotation to play with high hands and ball pressure against the guards, while also playing disciplined defense on the glass against Nelson and the Blue Demons’ long-limbed frontcourt.
Series History
Date | Location | Result |
|---|---|---|
Dec. 15, 2024 | Chicago | UNLV 80-61 |
Dec. 21, 2009 | Las Vegas | DePaul 82-48 |
Dec. 28, 2006 | Las Vegas | UNLV 89-71 |
Nov. 19, 2005 | Chicago | DePaul 88-72 |
Inside the Numbers
Category | UNLV | DePaul |
|---|---|---|
Points Per Game | 64.0 | 92.0 |
FG Percentage | 33.3% | 44.3% |
3FG Percentage | 18.2% | 44.0% |
FT Percentage | 82.8% | 37.5% |
Rebounds | 42.0 | 45.0 |
Turnovers | 12.0 | 10.0 |
Steals | 9.0 | 21.0 |
UNLV has built its success around balance and efficiency, while DePaul has been an early-season offensive explosion. The test of UNLV’s half-court discipline against the DePaul run-and-gun style should decide the tone and tempo on Sunday.
What to Watch
Rebounding Battle: Shining stars in the paint, Roland and Shelbee Brown, must control the boards to limit DePaul’s second chance offense.
Defending the Arc: The Blue Demons’ 11 three pointers in the last game should make UNLV extend its defense.
Free Throw Edge: UNLV’s advantage getting to the line (29 attempts vs. WSU) could once again be the difference-maker.
Rotation Depth: La Rocque’s got nine newcomers this season, including grad transfers Destiny Leo and Destiny Brown, so the team is still meshing different experience and fresh talent.
Fan Info & Promotions
Tickets: Bring a canned good item for free admission as part of Rebel Giving Week. Advance tickets are $6 at UNLVTickets.com; $10 at the door ($8 for seniors, faculty/staff, and alumni). UNLV students, Nevada high school students (with ID), and children 12 and under are admitted free.
Giveaway: Free Lady Rebels player poster and full 2025–26 schedule poster for all fans in attendance.
Final Word
With a roster that blends reigning champions and transfer firepower, UNLV is poised to continue setting the standard for the Mountain West. DePaul brings tempo, shooting, and confidence, but on its home floor, the Lady Rebels will look to extend its home win streak to 26 straight.
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