LAS VEGAS, NV. — UT Arlington women's basketball is moving on in the 2026 Air Force Reserve WAC Women's Basketball Tournament after opening postseason play with a 77-73 win over Utah Tech on Wednesday at Orleans Arena. The Lady Mavs now turn their focus to Thursday's quarterfinal round, where they will face No. 3 seed Southern Utah at 4:30 p.m. CT in Las Vegas.
UTA earned its spot in the quarterfinals by holding off Utah Tech behind a dominant opening quarter and a clutch finish at the free-throw line. The Lady Mavs scored 28 points in the first period, carried a 34-29 lead into halftime, and answered every late push from the Trailblazers to secure the tournament-opening victory. Kira Reynolds led the way with 21 points, 16 rebounds, and five assists, recording her eighth double-double of the season, while Nya Threatt added 16 points and Laura Bello chipped in 11.
Southern Utah enters Thursday's matchup at 19-11 overall and 11-7 in WAC play after earning the tournament's No. 3 seed and a direct berth into the quarterfinals. The Thunderbirds closed the regular season with a 77-61 loss at California Baptist, but still enter postseason play after putting together one of the strongest conference runs in the league this year.
Thursday will mark the fourth meeting this season between UTA and Southern Utah. The Thunderbirds won the first three matchups — 58-55 in Arlington on Jan. 3, 77-68 in Cedar City on Jan. 29, and 78-67 in Cedar City on Feb. 14. Despite Southern Utah's recent run in the series, the Lady Mavs have remained competitive throughout the matchup and now get another opportunity on a neutral floor with a semifinal berth on the line.
UTA continues to be anchored by Reynolds, who has led the Lady Mavs in scoring, rebounding, and blocks throughout the season. Threatt has also given UTA a steady veteran presence in the backcourt, including a career-high 27-point performance against Southern Utah earlier this year. The Lady Mavs will look to carry the momentum from Wednesday's win into another quick-turnaround postseason test.
Southern Utah has built its success around balance and offensive efficiency. In UTA's most recent preview for the matchup, the Thunderbirds were noted for averaging 73.2 points per game while shooting 42.1 percent from the floor, and they got a strong close to the regular season from Ava Uhrich, who posted a 22-point, 15-rebound double-double against California Baptist.
NOTEWORTHY
- UTA advanced to the quarterfinals with a 77-73 win over Utah Tech on Wednesday.
- Kira Reynolds recorded her eighth double-double of the season in the tournament opener with 21 points and 16 rebounds.
- Southern Utah earned the No. 3 seed in the WAC Tournament after finishing 19-11 overall and 11-7 in conference play.
- Thursday's winner advances to the WAC Tournament semifinals on Friday.
FOLLOW ALONG
Thursday's game is scheduled for 4:30 p.m. CT at Orleans Arena and will stream on ESPN+, Live Stats. For updates, behind-the-scenes photos, videos and more, follow the women's basketball program on X and Instagram @UTAMavsWBB.
– #BuckEm
