University of Texas Arlington
McMurry
Women's hoops downs McMurry, 52-41
11/23/2011 12:00:00 AM | Women's Basketball
Nov. 23, 2011
ARLINGTON, Tex. - The UT Arlington women's basketball won their first game of the season in a 52-41 victory over McMurry Wednesday night at Texas Hall.
The Mavs shot a season-high 43.9 percent from the floor behind a 10 point, five assist performance from junior Sabreena DeNure.
"Sabreena (DeNure) played well tonight. She had 35 minutes with only one turnover, which is very good," head coach Samantha Morrow said. "We got to the free throw line more, and we're coming together. We made a lot of layups in the first half, and we created some havoc and caused them to turn the ball over. We got inside and shot well in the paint."
The game was competitive in the opening minutes with both teams exchanging leads. However, the Mavericks found their groove and ended the half with a 31-15 lead on 55 percent shooting.
They scored the first points of the second half to take an 18 point lead, their largest of the game, but McMurry made a run to pull within eight points.
The run wouldn't be enough for the War Hawks. UT Arlington's defense held up and the Mavs pulled away down the stretch. The defense, which has been the strong point for the team this season, held McMurry to just 28 percent shooting.
The Mavs dominated the paint by outscoring the War Hawks 24-8. Desherra Nwanguma played a big part in the post game, scoring nine points on 4-of-6 shooting.
Freshman Chauntandra Williams scored eight points on a 4-of-7 shooting performance, and Bianca Sauls posted a game-high eight rebounds.
The Mavericks play again Sunday when they travel to Tennessee to take on the Memphis Grizzlies. Tip-off is set for 2 p.m.
