UNLV Lady Rebels defeat Air Force, 52-38

By Kweku Turkson

Las Vegas -- With absolutely stifling defensive pressure in the first half, and a balanced offensive attack, the UNLV Lady Rebels got the better of visiting Air Force Wednesday night by a final score of 52-38.

As has been the case for most of this year’s campaign, the Lady Rebels were paced by their backcourt, particularly Dakota Gonzalez and Brooke Johnson, who led the way with 17 and 14 points, respectively.

In an impressive total team effort on both ends of the floor, UNLV held a lead of 13 points at halftime.  In the second half, the Rebels continued to impress, mainly behind the aggressive play of the aforementioned backcourt duo, as well as Dakota’s twin Dylan Gonzalez, as they extended the lead to 20 points after three quarters of play, 42-22.

Head coach Kathy Olivier looked to get some of her younger players more game experience in the extended garbage time of the fourth quarter in what was clearly a blowout. During this period, virtually every UNLV player that touched the floor contributed in one way or another. Whether it was hustle plays, getting on the floor, making the extra pass, or just communicating well on defense, Olivier’s Lady Rebels clearly outclassed the opposition in nearly every facet of the game.