Desert Draw at UNLV

This weekend, UNLV's Lady Rebels returned to Las Vegas and the Cox Pavilion. The Desert Draw at UNLV Women's Basketball Tournament was held on Friday and Saturday.

After a rough road trip where Coach Oliver's Rebels drop all 3 games. Oliver was hired to turn the program into a contender for Mountain West and National Championships.

To play on that level you need to win no matter were you are playing. Most final four teams are perfect, have one loss, and a rare few have a second loss.

In the second game of the tournament, The Lady Rebels beat Cal State Northridge 88-69.

Shamela Hampton and Jamie Smith (picture above left) both posted double-doubles, and Brittany Halberg scored 12 points.

The win means that UNLV will face #22 Oklahoma State in Saturday's Championship game.

The Lady Rebels were looking for an upset, but feel short. That said, they played a tough and honorable game. They lost 88-73.

During the first half the Lady Rebels had as much as a 10 point lead. But they let the Cowgirls get a 12-0 run in second half that was just to much for them to over come.

Smith scored a career-high 27 points and earned her second-straight double-double. India Chaney scored 14 points, and Brittany Halberg had 10 points.

Desert Draw at UNLV Standings:

Oklahoma State Cowgirls, Champions
UNLV Rebels, 2cd
Southern Miss Golden Eagles, 3rd
Cal State Northridge, 4th

Andrea Riley of OSU Cowgirls was the Tournament MVP .

The UNLV Lady Rebels are off for Christmas before returning to the court on Sunday, Dec. 28 at 2 pm vs. UC Riverside in the Cox Pavilion.