Lady Rebels Fall to No. 3 USC in Season Opener
The Runnin' Rebs open their own season Tuesday at 7 p.m. against Northern Arizona at the Thomas & Mack Center.
Updated on Nov. 3, 2026 in Basketball
UNLV women's basketball fans who packed in for the season opener saw the Lady Rebels fall to No. 3 USC 100-68 on Nov. 2. The men's team tips off its own season Tuesday at 7 p.m. at the Thomas & Mack Center against Northern Arizona.
Why it matters
For Las Vegas basketball fans, the Lady Rebels' loss sets the tone for a season that features a Mountain West Preseason Player of the Year and a demanding nonconference schedule. The men's opener Tuesday is the next chance to see the Runnin' Rebs at home.
The Lady Rebels lost 100-68 to No. 3 USC in the Nov. 2 season opener, despite winning the rebounding battle. UNLV committed 24 turnovers in the game, and the report does not break down how those miscues shaped the scoring margin.
The players
UNLV Lady Rebels
The women's basketball program that opened its season with a 100-68 loss to No. 3 USC.
USC
The No. 3-ranked opponent that beat UNLV 100-68 in the season opener.
Meadow Roland
Mountain West Preseason Player of the Year who played for UNLV and faced JuJu Watkins in high school.
Jayla Constant
UNLV Lady Rebels player who played against JuJu Watkins in high school.
JuJu Watkins
USC standout who faced Jayla Constant and Meadow Roland in high school.
The details
UNLV's women's team opened the 2026-2027 season on Nov. 2 and lost 100-68 to USC, ranked No. 3 in the country. The Lady Rebels committed 24 turnovers even while winning the rebounding battle, and Jayla Constant and Meadow Roland both faced USC star JuJu Watkins in high school. The Runnin' Rebs open their season Tuesday against Northern Arizona at 7 p.m. at the Thomas & Mack Center.
Timeline
Nov. 2, 2026: Lady Rebels lose 100-68 to No. 3 USC in season opener.
Tuesday, 7 p.m.: UNLV men's basketball opens its season against Northern Arizona at the Thomas & Mack Center.
Beyond the Strip
The Lady Rebels' 100-68 defeat to No. 3 USC in the season opener gives Las Vegas fans an early measure of the program against a national power. The men's team's Tuesday opener at the Thomas & Mack Center follows the same pattern of local programs testing themselves at home before conference play begins.
If you plan to catch the Runnin' Rebs Tuesday, the Thomas & Mack Center tips off at 7 p.m., so plan your drive and parking accordingly. Season-ticket holders and single-game buyers should check the venue's game-day information before heading out.
The takeaway
The Lady Rebels' turnover count is the number to watch as the season unfolds, since it cost them against a top-three opponent. Keep an eye on the men's opener Tuesday night at 7 p.m. to see whether the team takes care of the ball at home.
What happens next
The UNLV men's basketball team opens its season Tuesday at 7 p.m. against Northern Arizona at the Thomas & Mack Center.
Further reading
For more on the teams and schedule, explore Basketball coverage across the valley.
Source note: This article includes information reported by KTNV.
