ARLINGTON, Texas – Jadyn Atchison delivered a career-high 19 points, but UT Arlington women's basketball (10-18, 4-11 WAC) couldn't fully overcome a decisive second quarter in a 78-72 loss to California Baptist (18-10, 12-3 WAC) Thursday night at College Park Center.
"I think I just took really good rhythm shots," Atchinson said
UTA was led by Jadyn Atchison's career-high 19 points, with Kira Reynolds pulling down a team-best 11 rebounds and Alexsyah Goudeau dishing out a team-high four assists; Kali Haizlip added 14 points and knocked down four threes 4-for-6 to power UTA's perimeter attack.
UT Arlington traded punches with California Baptist in the opening quarter, but the Lancers grabbed the edge 19-18 after UTA briefly took an early 4-2 lead before CBU responded with an 11-0 run to swing momentum. The Mavericks stayed close behind efficient perimeter shooting, knocking down 3-of-6 from three in the first and leaning on their bench to keep the pace as the game stayed tight through 10 minutes.
CBU created separation in the second, outscoring UTA 21-13 to take a 40-31 halftime lead, building the margin to as many as 15 midway through the period. UTA continued to hit shots from deep, 5-of-8 3FG at the half, and got a big lift from the bench to add 18 points.
The Mavericks answered out of the break, matching the Lancers 23-23 in the third and then winning the fourth 18-15 to make it a possession game late, fueled by perimeter production 9-of-17 from three and a spark from the benches 34-points.
The Lancers leaned on their inside-out balance and rim protection to weather UTA's second-half push, winning the paint battle 46-18 and logging 10 blocks. Filipa Barros paced CBU with 23 points, 14 rebounds, and 7 assists, while Grace Schmidt added 20 on 9-of-10 shooting and Lauren Olsen scored 16.
The goal for the Lady Mavs hasn't changed as WAC Conference play approaches.
"I think it's continuing to get better and improve on both ends of the ball," coach Wright said.
NOTEWORTHY
- Atchison posted a career-high 19 to lead all Mavericks scorers.
- UTA hit 9 triples and shot 52.9% from three (9-of-17).
- The Mavericks' bench accounted for 34 points.
NEXT UP
UT Arlington returns home Thursday, March 5th, to host Tarleton State for Hometown Heroes night at the College Park Center, 6:30 p.m. CT tip.
– #BuckEm –