Feb. 16, 2008
Box Score
LAKE CHARLES, La. - The UT Arlington women's basketball held on to win 43-42 in its closest game of the season over McNeese State on Saturday at Burton Coliseum. With the win the Mavs improve to 14-8 on the season and 9-2 in Southland Conference action, while the Cowgirls fall to 6-18 and 4-6.
Senior Maryann Abanobi led the Mavs with 11 points, while senior Tiffeny Riles set a new career-high leading all players with 21 rebounds on the night.
UTA traded leads with McNeese early in the first half until Abanobi hit a jumper to spark a 7-0 Maverick run to give them an 11-5 lead with 11:53 remaining in the half. However, the Cowgirls countered to lead 22-21 at the break.
At the 14:51 mark in the second half, McNeese State had built up a four-point lead, but junior Candice Champion single handedly tied it up at 27 all. Champion ended the night with nine points and five rebounds.
With 2:46 left in the game, UTA had gained a 5-point lead on a jumper from Abanobi. McNeese took the ball back down the court and Courtnee Hollins hit a tre to bring the Cowgirls within two (42-40).
Freshman Tamara Simmons hit one-of-two from the foul line with 16 second left on the clock forcing McNeese to hit a three to tie it. Shante Perry's 3-point attempt failed and the Cowgirls had to settle for a layup and the Mavs walked away with the one-point win.
The Mavs will be back in action on Thursday, Feb. 21 to avenge their first SLC loss of the season, when UTSA comes to Texas Hall, tip-off is set for 7 p.m.
