Dec. 19, 2009

Jamaica, NY - Meghan Nelson led the Mavericks with a game high 18 points but it wasn't enough to overcome a tough St. John's team as they dropped a 79-47 decision on Saturday, December 19 at the Carnesecca Arena.

Rebounds and turnovers were the Mavericks worst enemy in the first half. UT Arlington committed 16 turnovers to the Red Storm's eight and were out-rebounded by a 23-17 margin. St. John's converted 18 points off of the Mavs turnovers.

Tamara Simmons ended a 6-0 run by St. John's after knocking down a three but the Red Storm fired right back with an 8-0 run. The Red Storm dominated the paint scoring 22 of their first half 45 points.

A drive in the lane by Meghan Nelson at the 9:41 mark made the score 25-10. UT Arlington struggled with the Red Storm's tough defense, only scoring four points in the final five minutes of the first stanza, all coming from Nelson.

With 40 seconds remaining in the half, Nicole Terral pushed the ball up the court finding Nelson at the wing for a jumper, making the score 45-18 heading into the locker rooms.

UTA finished the first half shooting 28.6 percent from the field compared to St. John's 50 percent.

Nelson and Shalyn Martin went to work in the second half doing all they could to get game within reach. Nelson scored 12 of her 18 points in the second half while Martin poured in eight and grabbed seven boards, finishing the game with 10 points and 12 rebounds.

UT Arlington shot 27.4 percent (27-of 62) from the field, 20 percent (4-of-20) three-point range and 69.2 percent (9-of-13) from the free throw line.

UT Arlington falls to 4-6 overall while St. John's improves to 10-1 on the season. The Mavericks will take on the loser of Virginia Tech and UAB tomorrow on at 12 p.m