USAFA, Colorado- Despite their lead in the second quarter, the Falcons saw the Rebels take control the rest of the time, losing 83-67 at Clune Arena.

Dasha macmillan led all players with 20 points, a new career high for second. Macmillan was effective at all distances, scoring 2-6 over-the-arc as well as 7-9 two-point attempts. Nikki mcdonald and Cierra winters also managed 10 points each, with both making 4-8 attempts. Winters have now scored at least 10 points in 11 of 14 games this season, tied for most of those games with Riley snyder.

Against a group of sufficient size and skill, the Falcons were unable to affect the Rebels in the paint. Air Force was upgraded 45-29 while being upgraded 42-22 in the painted area. UNLV was also very efficient in their offense, shooting almost 50% overall. After a slow start to the first quarter, the visitors ended the game with 24 of 41 attempts, a streak that saw the Rebels go 7-11 on a three-point range.

The Air Force frustrated the UNLV early on, forcing four turnovers in the first quarter while keeping the Rebels at their most ineffective 10-minute stretch. The Falcons’ 16-12 lead grew to 20-14 shortly after the second quarter, although it quickly dissipated after the Rebels had a 23-6 streak to enter at halftime.

The Falcons trailed in the third quarter, even managing a 10-0 run to reduce the lead to as little as 45-38 with just under 15 minutes left in regulation. However, the Rebels again ended the quarter with a streak of their own, edging the home side 11-2 to carry a 56-40 lead into the final 10 minutes of play. UNLV did not give in to the last one. quarter, making six of seven three-point attempts.

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