Feb. 1, 2017
Donate to 3-point challenge
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ARLINGTON, Texas - UTA women's basketball kicks off its Sun Belt 3-point challenge on Saturday against Texas State at 2 p.m., a month long fundraiser to benefit Coaches vs. Cancer. The contest is featured on Spectrum Sports.
Each school will compete to raise the most funds by pledging donations for every 3-point shot their team makes in the month of February, with all proceeds to benefit the American Cancer Society to fund innovative research and patient services. The winner of the conference's challenge will be crowned the Sun Belt 3-Point Champion and all participating schools are entered into the national contest for a chance to earn the national 3-Point College Champion honor.
"It's great that our conference uses its platform to raise awareness of cancer and actively participates in helping find a cure," UTA coach Krista Gerlich said. "I think it is important for our student-athletes to understand their responsibility as collegiate players to work for a great cause than their sport and this is a great example of how to do that."
Fans wishing to join the Lady Mavericks in the competition, can donate HERE.
The Lady Mavericks joined with the conference last weekend in participating in the "We play for Angel" campaign as the coaching staff wore sneakers during the game and the team wore special t-shirts for the event.
Entering Saturday's contest, UTA is one of the hottest teams in the league with a four-game streak, all wins by double digits. The Lady Mavericks (15-4, 8-1 SBC) are equally impressive at College Park Center, winning the last six and featuring an 8-1 home record.
Junior center Rebekah VanDijk posted her 34th career double-double on Saturday in UTA's last time out, a 73-62 victory over Appalachian State. VanDijk is fifth amongst NCAA Division I active career leaders.
The defensive side of the ball has kept up with the pace of the offense, turning the opponent over at least 20 times in 14 of the last 15 contests this season. Averaging better than 22 forced per game, UTA is sixth in the nation. Cierra Johnson has been a big part of the success as the junior is 16th in steals per game at 3.11.
