LAS VEGAS — The UNI women’s basketball team concluded their participation in the UNLV Thanksgiving Tournament with a close matchup against the host team, UNLV, ending in a 62-56 defeat for the Panthers.
Game Summary
The game kicked off with an impressive performance from the Rebels, who quickly surged to an 11-point lead by scoring the first 11 points of the contest. Despite their slow start, UNI managed to respond with four three-pointers in the opening quarter, including two from Taryn Wharton, but UNLV maintained momentum, leading 21-10 after the first period.
In the second quarter, the Panthers tightened their defense, allowing just seven points while scoring 14 themselves, narrowing the gap to four points at halftime with a score of 30-26. This quarter featured a notable run by UNI, capped off by a buzzer-beating layup from Elise Jaeger, who led the Panthers at halftime with seven points and seven rebounds.
UNLV regained control in the third quarter, outscoring UNI 15-10, which extended their lead to nine points at 45-36 heading into the final period. Although the Panthers rallied in the fourth quarter, winning that segment 20-17, they fell short in their comeback attempt, resulting in a final score of 62-56.
Player Highlights
- Taryn Wharton: Led UNI’s scoring with a career-high 19 points, complemented by four rebounds and four assists.
- Elise Jaeger: Contributed significantly with 13 points and was pivotal on the boards, securing 14 rebounds along with four assists, achieving her second double-double of the season.
Key Takeaways
- With the loss, UNI’s record is now 2-4 for the season. This matchup marked the Panthers’ second meeting with the Rebels, with UNI remaining winless in the series.
- Elise Jaeger’s performance was notable as she recorded her fourth career double-double.
- UNI extended their streak of successful three-pointers to 552 consecutive games, achieving seven triples during this matchup.
Looking Ahead
The Panthers are set to begin their conference play on December 3, hosting Illinois State at the McLeod Center. The game is scheduled to tip off at 6 p.m. CT and will be available for viewing on ESPN+ as well as the Panther Sports Radio Network.
Fans can stay updated on UNI women’s basketball through their social media channels, including Facebook, X (@UNIwbb), and Instagram (@uni_wbb). The latest news, roster, and schedule details can be found on UNIpanthers.com.
