ARLINGTON - The third-seeded UTA women's basketball team extended its winning-streak to eight games with a 74-50 win over No. 10 Texas State (13-17) in the first round of the 2020 Sun Belt Championship Tuesday night at College Park Center.

The Lady Mavs (21-10) knocked down 50.8 percent (31-of-61) of their shots from the field and buried seven triples on the night, while holding Texas State to 38 percent (19-of-50) shooting. The Lady Mavericks registered 25 assists on 31 made baskets.

UTA won the rebounding battle 39-27 and forced the Bobcats into 17 turnovers.

Five Lady Mavs scored in double figures, led by Marie Benson's game-high 15 points. Benson made 7-of-11 shots from the field and 1-of-1 from the free-throw line. She also added four boards and a steal in the win. Claire Chastain chipped in with 12 points, three rebounds and a pair of assists, while Aysia Evans added 10 points and five assists.  Bre Wickware finished with 10 points and four rebounds, while Misty Dossey was perfect shooting the ball (4-of-4 FGs, 2-of-2 FTs) and nearly recorded a double-double with 10 points and nine boards.

UTA jumped on Texas State early and never looked back. The Lady Mavs closed the opening quarter on a 19-4 run to take a 21 point lead after 10 minutes of play. UTA won the second quarter 21-14 and took a 52-24 lead into the locker room at the intermission.

The Lady Mavs increased their lead to as many as 35 points in the second half before cruising to the 24-point victory.

UTA will have a quick turnaround for their Sun Belt Championship quarterfinal matchup. The Lady Mavs will host No. 6 South Alabama at College Park Center on Wednesday night (March 11). Tip-off for the contest is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. The winner of the quarterfinal game will advance to play in the semifinals (March 14) against No. 2 Coastal Carolina at the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans.

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