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By Michael Eldridge | @DFWSportsMike

ARLINGTON, Texas - McNeese State outscored UT Arlington 36-20 in the second half to help the Cowgirls complete a 63-57 win at College Park Center on Saturday.

UTA (1-2) shot just 30.8 percent in the second half on 8-26 shooting, while McNeese State (2-1) shot at a 52.4 percent clip. The Lady Mavs, having completed play in the Preseason WNIT, continue their homestand on Tuesday night when they host Seton Hall at 7 p.m.

The Lady Mavericks clinged to a one-point advantage with under a minute to play in the game. However, McNeese State scored the final six points of the game, including a rainbow 3-pointer with 44 seconds remaining. UTA was unable to respond and McNeese knocked down four free throws to ice the game.

Morgan Holly turned in UTA's first double-double of the season, completing the task early in the third quarter. Holly finished with a team-high 12 rebounds and had 10 points. The double-double was UTA's first from a player outside of Rebekah VanDijk in the last two seasons.

Turning point:

Following Cierra Johnson's steal and put back with 55 seconds left to give UTA the lead, McNeese State dropped a corner three to put itself on top for the remainder.

Key Stats:

Johnson and Kamy Cole each joined Holly in double-digit scoring. Johnson had a team-high 12 points, while Cole had 11, including 6-6 shooting from the line. The Lady Mavs led for more than 32 minutes in the contest before relinquishing the lead late in the fourth. McNeese State's Jayln Johnson had a game-high 17 points, 10 coming in the second half.

Notable:

UTA lost its third consecutive to McNeese State (first meeting since 2012). UTA holds a 35-21 advantage in the all-time series. UTA used its third different lineup in as many games. The Lady Mavs did not change their lineup over the final 10 games to end 2014-15.

Up next:

UT Arlington continues its four-game homestand when it welcomes defending Big East champion Seton Hall to College Park Center on Tuesday at 7 p.m. Tickets are available at www.UTATickets.com

Quotable:

UTA coach Krista Gerlich's opening statement:
"We have got to give credit to McNeese. They really came back in the second half and battled. Johnson took over and we didn't have an answer for her. We tried all of our defenses that we have in but we couldn't get her stopped. I hate that we didn't battle better on the offensive end and take care of the ball better in the fourth, I felt like we had an opportunity to put the game away and we didn't.

"We have to play consistent. Last night we didn't show up the first half, played the second half. We have to learn how to put two halves together."

Gerlich's thoughts about McNeese State's play in the second half:
"I really think that McNeese stepped up their intensity and we didn't. We got a couple of fouls called on us and we became a little less aggressive and let them attack us a little bit more. it put us on our heels and got to the rim a little bit more."

Gerlich on what the team learned from playing in the Preseason WNIT:
"It is experience. That is why we play those games. It was a great championship atmosphere. It taught our kids how quick the turnaround is and they have to focus on the game plan. We just had a lack of consistency and that is what this tournament is going to teach us. We have to continue to take up the slack.

"I know this team is going to be battle tested. Our nonconference schedule is going to be tough and it needs to be. We have higher expectations and it is getting us ready for the Sun Belt. I am excited about what they are learning and if it can prepare us for the Sun Belt then it will all be worth it."

Kamy Cole's confidence after back-to-back games in double-digit scoring:
"Yesterday when I hit the first three, and didn't mean to, but totally reacted. That gave me so much confidence and I think that carried to today. All around we are coming together pretty well."