UNLV women settle for WNIT appearance, will host Hawaii

UNLV Lady Rebels guard Kiara Jackson (3) takes the ball upcourt against San Diego State Aztecs guard Natalia Martinez (21) during the second half of a Mountain West Tournament semifinal basketball game at Thomas & Mack Center Tuesday, March 11, 2025. Photo by Steve Marcus

The UNLV women’s basketball team will continue playing in March for a fourth straight season.

The Lady Rebels at 6:30 p.m. Thursday will host Hawaii in the first round of the Women’s Basketball Invitation Tournament at Cox Pavilion.

UNLV had to settle for the spot in the WNIT after losing last week in the semifinals of the Mountain West conference tournament to San Diego State. San Diego State won the tournament to secure the league’s lone bid into the NCAA Tournament.

UNLV (25-7) won more than 20 games for a fourth straight season in claiming the regular season Mountain West title.

Competing in the postseason — regardless of the tournament — will give the young UNLV roster much-needed experience. UNLV, with a win, would advance to play the winner of Florida-Northern Iowa.