UNLV women's basketball honored former star Desi-Rae Young by retiring her No. 23 jersey before Friday night's home opener against UTSA at The Pavilion. Young, a Desert Oasis High graduate, became the fourth Lady Rebel in program history and the first in 23 years to receive the honor. "It means so much to me," Young said. "I tried my best not to (cry). Being able to celebrate with my coaches and my teammates and my family means the world."
The ceremony preceded a 69-51 victory over the Roadrunners that gave the Lady Rebels (1-1) their first win of the season after an opening loss to USC. UNLV used a 10-0 run in the second quarter, highlighted by consecutive 3-pointers from Jasmyn Lott, to take control. Lott scored 11 points in the third quarter and finished with a game-high 22 points as UNLV pulled away for a 20-point lead in the fourth.
Coach Lindy La Rocque earned her 150th career victory and said the team focused on channeling Young's competitive spirit. "We talked a lot about Desi this week and just the tenacity and aggressiveness and the personality and persona she was on the court," La Rocque said. "We wanted to channel our inner-Desi. I thought our team did a great job so we could honor her on a night that was really special for her."
Young was a two-time conference Player of the Year and the seventh player in school history to earn All-America honorable mention honors. During her senior season in 2023-24, she was one of just four Division I players to average at least 17 points, nine rebounds, two assists and a steal. The Las Vegas native joked about her local ties: "That part is amazing. I hope everyone in Las Vegas remembers. Maybe one day I'll run for mayor. You never know."
Sources: Las Vegas Review-Journal
Original reporting: Las Vegas Review-Journal →
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