Cowgirls Win Streak Halted at UNLV

The Wyoming Cowgirls lost their first conference game of the season in Las Vegas to UNLV Wednesday night. The final score was 51-46.

Wyoming (15-4, 7-1) had their nine-game winning streak snapped. It’s their first loss since Dec. 9, 2016 against Idaho.

Head coach Joe Legerski said in a released statement from the university,

“UNLV really turned the pressure up on us tonight and we didn’t adjust well to it. One of the things we talked about in practice is that you can’t pass the ball two or three times within six feet of the basket. You have to take it to the rim, make a decision, and I thought the pressure hurried us throughout the game which is something we’ve not done all year long.”

The Cowgirls endured a tough shooting night and fought the turnover bug. UW shot a season-low 32 percent from the field. They also had 14 turnovers that led 16 Rebels points.

UNLV (14-6, 5-3) built a 26-18 lead by halftime. Wyoming managed only seven field goals in the first half and shot 23 percent. They went the last 4:08 without a basket.

The Cowgirls roared back in the third quarter, as they scored the first 10 points of the half. That was part of a 17-2 run that put UW in front 35-28. UNLV answered with a 14-3 run, as Wyoming went seven minutes without a field goal. Down 47-40, Taylor Rusk hit a 3-pointer, but Cowgirls rally fell short.

Liv Roberts led Wyoming with 15 points and nine rebounds. Natalie Baker added 10 points.

The Rebels were led by Dylan Gonzales with 20 points. Her sister, Dakota Gonzales, added 16 points. UNLV shot 33 percent in the game.

The road swing continues for the Cowgirls Saturday afternoon when they visit Boise State. The game starts at 1 p.m.