Nov. 28, 2009

Lubbock, Texas - After coming within three at half, the UT Arlington women's basketball team couldn't overcome a bigger and stronger Texas Tech offense, as they dropped a 71-37 decision Saturday night at the United Spirit Arena.

It was obvious that UT Arlington was oversized by Texas Tech and in the opening minutes of the first half they looked outmatched by the Lady Raiders as the Mavericks were held to two points through the 11:35 mark.

Senior Meghan Nelson went to work for the Mavs pouring in 13 first half points as the rest of the team struggled to find their stroke.

After being down by as many as 11, UT Arlington fought back to come within two points at 25-23 following a jumper by Veronica Mergerson. Texas Tech's Kierra Mallard connected from behind the arc bringing the Lady Raiders back on top by five but Nelson hit a pull up jumper from the wing, sending the Mavericks into halftime down by three, 28-25.

The second half didn't go as the Mavericks had planned as they only were able to score 10 points. The Lady Raiders ran away with the game with their dominating presence inside, scoring 38 points in the paint.

UTA lost the battle on the boards, 47-37 and committed 19 turnovers. The Mavericks shot just 25.4 percent from the field, 23.1 percent from three-point range and 40 percent from the free throw line.

Nelson was the only Maverick to finish in double figures, collecting 16 points while Shalyn Martin grabbed 10 rebounds.

UT Arlington takes on University of San Francisco tomorrow at noon in the final day of the Texas Tech Basketball Traveler's Classic.