MAVERICKS SECURE 83-65 VICTORY OVER SAM HOUSTON STATE
2/28/2009 12:00:00 AM | Women's Basketball
Feb. 28, 2009
Huntsville, Texas - The UT Arlington women's basketball team improved to 12-2 in conference action with an 83-65 victory over Sam Houston State on Saturday, February 28 at the Johnson Coliseum in Huntsville, Texas.
The win improved the Mavs to 18-9 overall, 12-2 in conference play while the Bearkats fell to 8-19 on the season and 5-9 in league play.
Senior Candice Champion led the Mavericks with her 12th double-double performance, collecting 20 points and grabbing 16 rebounds. With two games remaining in the regular season and 23 points shy, Champion inches closer in collecting her 1,000 career point.
It took the Mavericks several minutes to transition to the Bearkats defense in the first half as they trailed by one, at 8-7 with 14:44 on the clock. A quick layup and a pair of made free throws by Candice Champion gave UTA a three-point advantage at the 13:24 mark.
The Mavs finally adjusted, leading by nine in the first half following a LaTosha Duffey jumper at the 9:18 mark. Sam Houston State connected on a three and a jumper, dipping into the Mavericks lead. UT Arlington seemed to be on track, taking a nine point lead until Sam Houston State scored multiple baskets, heading into the locker rooms down by four at 36-32.
UTA finished the first half shooting 46.6 percent (15-of-32) from the floor to SHSU's 40 percent (10-of-25) from the field.
The Mavericks opened the second half on a 14-5 run, sparked by a converted three-point play by Champion. UTA used their inside game to their advantage as Meghan Nelson and Champion took over, leading the Mavs over the Bearkats by 19 with 5:18 left in the game.
UT Arlington held off Sam Houston State in the final minutes of the game and secured their 18th win of the season.
Nelson finished with 17 points on 6-of-11 shooting from the floor, including 5-of-8 from the free throw line and dished out seven assists. Tamara Simmons recorded 13 points and eight assists while Shalyn Martin added 13 points and 14 rebounds to go with four assists and four steals.
For the game, UTA shot 45.6 percent (31-of-68) from the field, 40 percent (4-of-10) from three-point range and 70.8 percent (17-of-24) from the free throw line. Sam Houston State's Brittany Brooks finished with 16 points while Whitney Smith scored 14 points and grabbed eight rebounds.
The Mavericks host their final home game of the season against Nicholls State on Wednesday, March 4 at 7 p.m. Senior night will take place at Wednesday's game where Champion and Erin Dixon will be honored for their four-year Maverick career.
