Final Stats | Quotes | Notes

JONESBORO, Ark. It was an historic day for UT Arlington women's basketball despite the loss as Rebekah VanDijk achieved a milestone mark to become the first player with 1,000 points and 1,000 rebounds in her career.

Grabbing eight rebounds in the opening 20 minutes, it took just a minute into the third quarter for the senior to grab her 1,000th board. The senior finished with a season-high 31 points and career-high 18 rebounds for her 42nd career double-double - second amongst NCAA active Division I career leaders. Despite the feat, it was Arkansas State that spoiled the day as it topped UTA 85-80 at First National Bank Arena on Saturday.

VanDijk, a native of Nazareth, Texas, moved up the Sun Belt charts as well as her performance on the boards sent her to 10th in the league's all-time leaders. VanDijk has 1,451 points and 1,010 rebounds over four seasons.

Joining VanDijk in double figures, Shelby Richards posted her seventh double-digit scoring effort with 12 points on 5-of-7 shooting. Richards, hitting three on Thursday, was without a 3-point attempt for the first time this season. Lauryn McGowen converted on a pair of free throws in the final minute to reach 10 points.

The Lady Mavs (8-9, 2-4 Sun Belt) trailed by as many as 13 points late in the fourth quarter before a surge pulled the visitors within a point. After the teams went back-and-forth, UTA had a chance to tie the game with a 3-pointer in the final seconds but turned it over giving away a free lay up at the other end. Arkansas State went to 9-8 and 4-2 in league play. The Red Wolves have won 10 of the last 11 meetings with UTA and are 15-6 in the all-time series.

UTA returns home to College Park Center on Thursday to host Louisiana at 5 p.m. before welcoming ULM on Saturday at 2 p.m.

HOW IT HAPPENED
First Quarter: Both teams exchanged early blows as each offense was hot from the start. VanDijk quick moved up the Sun Belt's all-time rebound charts, grabbing five in the first quarter. Despite four Lady Mavs having at least four points in the opening 10, it was Arkansas State that led by two after the first with a 7-0 run to close the frame.

Second Quarter:
Continuing to hold momentum, the Red Wolves opened the second to extend the lead beyond double digits. The run continued as UTA couldn't find its shot, missing on seven of its eight shots midway through the frame as ASU went on a 6-0 run. A run of turnovers reversed ASU's run to close the opening quarter as UTA would go on a 7-0 run of its own. The offense was sparked by Shelby Richards, who was able to convert two turnovers into five points.

Third Quarter: Despite the achievement happening early, it was Arkansas State that flexed its muscles. The Red Wolves went up above a double-digit lead for much of the quarter. UTA would score four in the final 30 seconds to bring it to a 10-point game, but the Red Wolves knocked down a jumper as the buzzer sounded to lead 63-51 after the third stanza.

Fourth Quarter: With multiple chances to bring the game under six with seven minutes to play, it seemed the steam went out of the UTA sails as Arkansas State went back above double digits. However, the never-say-die Lady Mavs raced back to within a point. VanDijk would score four points in the final 30 seconds, while Arkansas State wouldn't back down. Out of a timeout, a turnover held back UTA's attempt at a game-tying shot

KEY STATS UTA went to 1-9 when trailing going to the final 10 minutes - are 7-0 when leading… UTA outscored ASU 42-36 in points in the paint. UTA turned the ball over 19 times, equating to 32 points for ASU in points off turnovers.