UNLV Lady Rebels Down Air Force

The New Era for the UNLV Lady Rebels finally was able to match last years record. With about a month left in the season, there is some room for improvement heading into the Tournament.

As a season ticket holder, I try to make every game to support my team. At times, my children's behavior or other events get in the way. We always make as many games as can. My family is full of Rebel pride.

We had forgotten that the Air Force game had been moved up to 1pm from the 3pm start time on the tickets. So we watched most of the game on my laptop, on gametracker at www.unlvrebels.com

The first half was back and forth, neither team could really get the advantage. Air Force had a one point lead at half time, 29-28.

The Rebels woke up or had a fire lit under them to start the second half, going on a 20 - 5 run. This open the game up, and UNLV never looked back, even as thing got closer in final minutes.

The Lady Rebels beat Air Force, 78-64. This gave them their second win within the Mountain West Conference, and an overall record of 9 wins and 11 losses.

Senior Shamela Hampton had her 10th double -double, with 17 points and 16 rebounds. She became the 18th Lady Rebel to reach the 1,000 career point mark as she now has 1,001 points in her four years in Las Vegas.

Jamie Smith also posted a double-double with 10 points and 10 rebounds, marking the third time this year the two teammates have finished with double-doubles in the same game.

UNLV ends the first half of the conference schedule on Wednesday, Feb. 4, when it takes on San Diego State in San Diego, Calif., in a 7 pm contest.

Earlier in the week, an article came out on page 18 in the January 29th edition of the weekly Rebel Nation magazine. In the article, Coach Kathy Olivier gushed over India Chaney, and how she was building the team around her for next season. India is a great player and well deserving of the praise, but to some fans it also seem like a sign that Coach Olivier and her staff are giving up on the season now in progress.

I can only imagine that was seen as a slap in the face to Shamela Hampton, and Brittany Halberg who have given it their all and carried the team these last year under former coach, Regina Miller.

You can visit the web site above, and www.rebelnation.net for more information.