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ARLINGTON, Texas - The UT Arlington women's basketball team capped the 2016 Homecoming Week with a season-opening 75-54 win over former Southland Conference and WAC rival UTSA Sunday afternoon at College Park Center.

Four Lady Mavericks registered career performances, including seven steals from junior Cierra Johnson, which tied her record from 2014 was third in UTA single-game history. Junior transfer Christina Devers was vital in UTA's (1-0) victory with a game-high 21 points.

The Lady Mavs are now 31-12 in home openers after taking the last three. UTA handed UTSA (0-2) its second loss following an 85-77 decision against Angelo State at home. The Lady Mavericks are 19-8 in Arlington against the Roadrunners and 2-1 during Gerlich's tenure.

UTA shot 40.7 percent from 3-point range (11-27) and made 27-of-64 from the floor. Both teams went head-to-head in rebounding, though the Roadrunners finished with one more at 37. The Lady Mavs drove in 26 paint points and forced 24 UTSA turnovers, leading to 31 points. UTA sharpened its offensive play and committed four turnovers in the second half to its 12 in the first pair of quarters.

KEY RUN
UTA maintained a one-point advantage heading into the final frame after once leading by 12 in the first quarter. Lauren Billie opened fire with back-to-back 3-pointers just over one minute in to pull away and drive momentum toward a comfortable win.

PLAYERS OF THE GAME
Devers led all scorers with 21 points, including 3-of-6 from beyond the arc, with two steals and three rebounds. Johnson paired 16 points and eight rebounds to her seven steals. Billie contributed three key 3-pointers of six attempted, tying her career-best.

Miranda LeJune turned in a career game with nine assists, tied for 10th in a single game, and tied her five points. Ally Te'o tied a career-high five rebounds.

UP NEXT
UTA takes its first road trip of the season to WKU for a 5:30 p.m. meeting on Wednesday. The Lady Mavs return to CPC on Sunday to face Wichita State at 5:30 p.m.

Tickets are available through the College Park Center Box Office online at UTATickets.com, by calling (817) 272-9595 during weekday business hours or at the box office prior to the game. Season, single game and group ticket packages for every UTA men and women's basketball game are available.