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Lady Rebels win first game after loss of guard Nikki Wheatley

When the UNLV women’s basketball team fell to Oregon State on Monday, it lost more than just a close game.

The Lady Rebels also lost point guard Nikki Wheatley, one of their top players, for the season with a torn meniscus.

UNLV felt her absence Tuesday but overcame it, beating New Mexico State 52-47 in the Play4Kay Shootout at T-Mobile Arena.

“She comes in the locker room right before the game and tears are flowing,” UNLV coach Kathy Olivier said. “I mean, it’s just hard when you lose a player, and Nikki plays that point guard spot, she’s a leader on the floor.