Women's Basketball Invitation Tournament Preview: How to Watch Hawaii at UNLV

The UNLV Lady Rebels were snubbed from the NCAA Tournament, however, they were invited to participate in the Women's Basketball Invitation Tournament where they'll host the Hawai'i Rainbow Wahine in the first round.

Mark Morales-Smith | 7 Hours Ago

UNLV Lady Rebels head coach Lindy La Rocque reacts to a play against the Michigan Wolverines during the second half at Pete Maravich Assembly Center. / Stephen Lew-Imagn Images

The UNLV Lady Rebels women's basketball team may have not made the 2025 NCAA Tournament after a disappointing showing and surprise ousting in the Mountain West Conference Tournament, but this team is fired up after being selected to participate in the Women's Basketball Invitation Tournament.

They have been named a No. 2 seed in the tournament coming off a 25 - 7 record and a first-place regular season finish in the Mountain West Conference. They have been matched up against the Hawai'i Rainbow Wahine.

Hawai'i also enters the tournament coming off a disappointing showing in the Big West Conference Tournament. As the No. 1 seed in their conference, they were defeated in their first game by the No. 4 seed UC San Diego Tritons. They finished the season with a 22 - 9 overall record and were 16 - 4 in the Big West. The Rainbow Wahine enters this game as the underdogs, but they are no pushovers. Every team in the WBIT will be tough competition. We expect to be treated to a fierce matchup between two great teams.

OUR SEASON IS NOT DONE YET! We are the No. 2 seed in the @wbitwbb and will host Hawai'i on Thursday, March 20! 🫡 pic.twitter.com/neeQmIuPqi
— UNLV Lady Rebels (@UNLVLadyRebels) March 17, 2025

How to Watch Hawaii at UNLV Women's Basketball

What: Hawai'i Rainbow Wahine @ UNLV Lady Rebels

When: Thursday, March 20

Time: 9:30 PM EST

Where: Cox Pavilion, Las Vegas, Nevada

TV: N/A

Live Stream: ESPN+

UNLV Player to Watch

Meadow Roland, UNLV Lady Rebels - The freshman forward is coming off an impressive campaign in which she was named the Mountain West Freshman of the Year and the Mountain West Sixth Player of the Year. She will look to further establish herself as the future of this program in the WBIT. We are all excited to get to watch the seniors get an opportunity to play a few more games for UNLV, but we also love getting to watch a young star give us a preview of what's in store for the future and the future is bright in Vegas.

Hawaii Player to Watch

Lily Wahinekapu, Hawai'i Rainbow Wahine - The star guard is coming off a strong season after leading her squad in both points and assists with 11.2 points per game and 2.6 assists per game. She is also a contributor on defense and led her team with 1.2 steals per game. The Lady Rebels will have to contain her is they want to advance in the tournament.

How to Watch Hawaii at UNLV Women's Basketball

UNLV Player to Watch

Hawaii Player to Watch

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