Lady Rebels roll to win on night former star’s jersey retired — PHOTOS

Desi-Rae Young held back the tears as best she could.

It was emotional to be sure.

It happens when your jersey hangs from the rafters for the first time.

Young, the Desert Oasis High graduate and former star women’s basketball player for UNLV, had her No. 23 jersey retired by the Lady Rebels prior to the home opener against UTSA on Friday night at The Pavilion.

UNLV would defeat the Roadrunners 69-51 on an evening when Young became the fourth Lady Rebel in program history — and first in 23 years — to have her jersey retired.

“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.

“I was like, ‘Wow, this is really happening.’ This doesn’t happen for many people so early after a (college career), so I’m just honored. It’s the best night of my life.”

What made it even more special is the fact Young played for the hometown program.

“That part is amazing,” she said. “I hope everyone in Las Vegas remembers. Maybe one day I’ll run for mayor. You never know.”

She was the seventh player in school history to earn All-America honorable mention honors and was a two-time conference Player of the Year.

During her senior season in 2023-24, Young was one of just four Division I players to average at least 17 points, nine rebounds, two assists and a steal.

Her former team reached the win column for the first time this season as the Lady Rebels (1-1) followed a loss to USC by downing UTSA with relative ease.

UNLV used a 10-0 run midway through the second quarter to open up a nine-point lead, highlighted by consecutive 3-pointers from Jasmyn Lott.

Neither team shot particularly well at all early, with UTSA at 19.2 percent from the field over the opening 20 minutes and the Lady Rebels at 26 percent.

UNLV though took control of things with a 7-0 run to begin the third quarter and it was Lott who continued her stellar play.

She scored 11 points in the quarter and the Lady Rebels would total their final 10 of the third from the free-throw line, opening up a 53-37 lead. She finished with a game-high 22.

The advantage reached 20 points early in the fourth and the Lady Rebels cruised from there on a memorable night for one of their former players.

“I love Desi so much,” said UNLV coach Lindy La Rocque, who notched her 150th career victory. “We talked a lot about Desi this week and just the tenacity and aggressiveness and the personality and persona she was on the court.

“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.”

Contact Ed Graney at [email protected]. Follow @edgraney on X.