UNLV didn’t ease into Wednesday’s road matchup. They walked into the Convocation Center, ripped control of the game in the opening minutes, and never gave UTSA a real path back. The Rebels’ 66-39 win was built on defense, depth, and a first-quarter avalanche that felt over as soon as it began.

What followed was four quarters of different shapes but the same theme: UNLV dictating terms on both ends.

UNLV opened the game with a 20-2 run and held UTSA to 1-for-15 shooting in the first quarter, establishing control immediately. The Rebels scored on their first three possessions, including early baskets from Aaliyah Alexander and Shelbee Brown, while forcing four UTSA turnovers in the opening four minutes.

Defensively, UNLV limited the Roadrunners to contested jumpers and one-shot possessions. UTSA missed all five of its three-point attempts and did not attempt a free throw in the period. Jasmyn Lott led UNLV with six first-quarter points, while Destiny Leo added a late three-pointer to close the period.

UNLV led 20-2 after one, finishing the quarter with an advantage in bench points, turnovers forced, and pace of play. The tone was set, and the game’s outcome was already heavily tilted.

UTSA responded with improved scoring in the second quarter, converting 6 of 16 field-goal attempts and cutting briefly into the deficit. Cheyenne Rowe and Idara Udo combined for eight points in the frame, giving UTSA its most efficient stretch of the game.

UNLV countered with balanced scoring and continued second-chance production. Meadow Roland added a free throw and maintained control of the interior with four boards in the quarter, while Lott and Alexander each knocked down midrange jumpers to keep the Rebels firmly ahead.

The Rebels shot 50 percent in the second period and carried a 34-17 lead into halftime, supported by a 28-15 edge on the glass and a 9-0 advantage in points off turnovers.

UNLV extended its lead to 48-25 behind a series of perimeter shots and defensive stops early in the third quarter. Lott opened the half with a pull-up jumper, and Alexander added a three-pointer that pushed the lead past 20.

The Rebels continued to limit UTSA's spacing and ball movement, holding the Roadrunners to 4-for-14 shooting in the frame and denying them any second-half free throw attempts. UNLV’s depth again played a significant role, with Destiny Brown and Destiny Leo each contributing key minutes off the bench. Roland added another second-chance bucket to maintain momentum.

UNLV outscored UTSA 14-8 in the period and entered the fourth quarter with a 48–25 advantage.

UNLV opened the fourth quarter with back-to-back three-pointers from Lott, extending the lead to 54-25 and eliminating any remaining doubt. Roland added two free throws, and Alexander connected again from deep as the Rebels built their largest lead of the game at 59-25.

UTSA found limited scoring late behind Dannebauer and Rowe, but the Roadrunners were unable to generate sustained offense. The Rebels’ bench carried the final stretch, with contributions from Elohim, Collins, and Colvin. UNLV outrebounded UTSA 12-7 in the period and forced six turnovers in the closing minutes.

Lott finished with 21 points, Alexander added 10, and Roland recorded 14 rebounds. UNLV closed the game on a 66-39 final, securing one of its most dominant defensive performances of the season.

This wasn’t just a road win. This was a season-defining blueprint.
• 20-2 out of the gate.
• 50 rebounds.
• Nine made threes.
• A defense that swallowed UTSA’s rhythm for 40 minutes.

UNLV didn’t just dictate tempo; they dictated outcomes. Lott was the offensive anchor, Roland was the enforcer, and the bench provided real lift in every stretch of the game.

If this group defends like this consistently, they can play with anyone in the conference. And if they keep opening games with this kind of tone? Good luck catching them.