CEDAR CITY, Utah – Kira Reynolds scored a career-high 24 points, but UT Arlington women's basketball (10-15, 4-9 WAC) couldn't overcome Southern Utah's (17-8,9-4 WAC) fourth-quarter surge as the Lady Mavericks fell 78-67 on Saturday at the America First Event Center.
UTA trailed by four entering the final 10 minutes, but the Thunderbirds outscored the Lady Mavericks 27-20 in the fourth to pull away late.
UT Arlington settled in offensively early and stayed within a possession for much of the opening quarter, but Southern Utah edged in front and carried a 20-17 lead after one.
The Lady Mavericks continued to attack the paint and get to the free-throw line in the second. Reynolds provided the scoring punch, and UTA's bench gave the Lady Mavericks a lift, helping keep the game within reach at the break. Southern Utah took a 36-30 advantage into halftime.
UTA made its push coming out of the locker room, trimming the deficit and keeping pressure on the Thunderbirds throughout the third. The Lady Mavericks continued to score inside and won the paint battle for the game, but Southern Utah answered each rally and held a 51-47 lead entering the fourth.
Southern Utah created separation in the final period, stretching the lead to as many as 13 while pouring in 27 points in the quarter. UTA continued to battle behind Reynolds and strong bench production, but the Thunderbirds' shot-making and work on the glass down the stretch sealed the 78-67 final.
Reynolds finished with a career-high 24 points on 9-of-13 shooting and added a team-high six rebounds. Nya Threatt scored 11 points, while Jadyn Atchinson added nine, and Kendal Robinson added eight.
UTA shot 44.6% (25-56) from the field and went 17-of-22 at the free-throw line. The Lady Mavericks won points in the paint (48-36) and bench points (41-9), but Southern Utah held a 35-24 rebounding advantage, including 9-3 on the offensive glass. The Thunderbirds shot 51.9% (27-52) overall and 6-of-15 from three.
Southern Utah was led by Sierra Chambers with 23 points, while Brooklyn Fely added 17 points and a game-high 11 rebounds.
NEXT UP
UT Arlington returns to action on Tuesday, Feb. 18, traveling to Utah Tech for an 8 p.m. CT tip.
– #BuckEm –
