Falcons quick start not enough to overcome Rebels

USAFA, Colo.- In spite of taking a lead into the second quarter, the Falcons saw the Rebels take firm control the rest of the way, falling 83-67 at Clune Arena.

Dasha Macmillan led all players with 20 points, a new career-high for the sophomore. Macmillan was effective all ranges, scoring on 2-6 shots from beyond the arc as well as 7-9 attempts from two-point range. Nikki McDonald and Cierra Winters also managed 10 points each, both making 4-8 attempts. Winters has now scored at least 10 points in 11 of 14 games this season, tied for most such games with Riley Snyder.

Against a group with ample size and skill, the Falcons were unable to effect the Rebels in the paint. Air Force was out-rebounded 45-29 while having been outscored 42-22 in the painted area. UNLV was also highly effective in its offense, shooting nearly 50% overall. After a sluggish first quarter start, the visitors finished the game making 24 of 41 attempts, a run that saw the Rebels go 7-11 from three-point range.

Air Force frustrated UNLV early on, forcing four turnovers throughout the first quarter while holding the Rebels to their most inefficient 10-minute stretch. The Falcons 16-12 lead grew to 20-14 shortly into the second quarter, though it quickly dissipated after the Rebels managed a 23-6 run to go into halftime.

The Falcons hung around into the third quarter, even managing a 10-0 run to trim the lead to as little as 45-38 with just under 15 minutes left in regulation. However, the Rebels again closed the quarter with a run of their own, outscoring the home side 11-2 to carry a 56-40 lead entering the final 10 minutes of play. UNLV didn't relent in the final quarter, making six of seven three-point attempts.

Following the postponement of Sunday's game against the Nevada Wolfpack, Air Force's next matchup is scheduled for Thursday, January 13 against the Colorado State Rams.

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