UNLV routs Falcons

Friday, Jan. 30, 2004 | 9:44 a.m.

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. -- Junior forward RanDee Henry posted game-highs of 24 points and 12 rebounds as UNLV rolled to a 91-57 victory against Air Force on Thursday night in Mountain West Conference women's basketball action.

The Lady Rebels extended their winning streak to 10 games -- tied for fifth best in the nation. At 15-2, they are off to their best start since the 1992-93 season. The Lady Rebels are also tied with Utah for first in the MWC with a perfect 4-0 mark.

Air Force fell to 3-14, 0-4 with its eighth straight loss.

UNLV scored 90 or more points for the third time this season, and it marked the most points ever scored by the Lady Rebels in the series, while the 34-point winning margin was also the largest in the series, which UNLV now leads 13-2.

The Lady Rebels opened the game with a blistering 19-3 run over the first 4:38. Air Force regrouped, and used a 16-6 spurt to cut the lead to 25-19, helped by eight points from Letricia Castillo.

A 9-2 UNLV run, behind six points from Henry and a trey from InFini Robinson gave UNLV a 38-24 lead with 4:50 left, and the lead remained around 10 points for the rest of the half, with UNLV taking a 49-36 edge into halftime.

Castillo had scored 16 points to keep Air Force close in the first half, but was held to two in the second as UNLV doubled the Falcons 42-21 over the final 20 minutes.

Sherry McCracklin and Sheena Moore joined Henry in double figures with 14 points each. Kameca Simmons and Padra Strong both came off the bench to post seven points. UNLV shot 51.6 percent (33-64) for the game, the Lady Rebels' sixth over 50 percent, and dominated the boards 46-25. They also forced Air Force into 30 turnovers while committing 18.

The Lady Rebels remain on the road as they take on New Mexico in Albuquerque on Saturday night.