COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. — UNLV takes a 3-0 Mountain West record to Air Force on Saturday, where Jayda McNabb’s offensive rebounding gives the Lady Rebels a specific threat to account for after a missed shot.
The Lady Rebels open 2026 on the road Saturday, continuing conference play against the Air Force Falcons at Clune Arena. Tipoff is set for 12 p.m. PT (1 p.m. MT), with the game streamed on the Mountain West Network.
UNLV is 8-5 overall and has won three straight. Its first conference road game was a 61-60 win at Grand Canyon on Dec. 17.
The Lady Rebels beat Fresno State 85-59 on New Year’s Eve with five double-figure scorers, led by Mariah Elohim’s season-high 17 points.
Through 13 games, UNLV is shooting 41.2% and holds a plus-2.0 rebounding margin.
UNLV averages 11.3 made free throws per game to its opponents’ 7.8. If Saturday becomes a lower-possession game, converting those chances would become more valuable.
Jasmyn Lott leads the Lady Rebels at 13.8 points per game, providing both scoring and stability. Meadow Roland follows closely and gives UNLV an interior presence.
Aaliyah Alexander sets the table offensively, while Shelbee Brown anchors the paint and helps finish possessions.
Air Force is 7-6 overall and 1-2 in conference play after a 62-51 loss at San Diego State. The Falcons are 4-0 at Clune Arena.
The Falcons average 57.8 points and shoot 35.8% from the field, including 27.3% from three.
They also force 18.5 turnovers and score 15.2 points off turnovers per game, giving UNLV a reason to protect the ball before Air Force has to defend a shot.
Milahnie Perry leads Air Force with 16.2 points per game. McNabb averages 8.5 rebounds, including a conference-leading 4.8 on the offensive glass, and has four double-doubles.
If Perry gets past her first defender and draws Roland toward the ball, another Lady Rebel has to account for McNabb when the shot goes up. Stopping the drive without covering the rebound would leave a second chance at the basket.
UNLV averages 13.8 turnovers. Alexander has to keep a passing option available if the first route to Roland closes, rather than leave the ballhandler trying to force an entry through a defender.
UNLV leads the series 52-5 and has won 24 consecutive meetings, including last season’s game in Colorado Springs.
The Lady Rebels return home to face Utah State on Wednesday; Air Force next hosts Boise State.
Saturday’s immediate matchup is McNabb after the shot. Roland and Brown will need help finishing the rebound whenever one of them leaves her assignment to contest Perry.
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