LAS VEGAS, NV. – No. 6 seed UT Arlington closed the game on its feet Thursday afternoon, using a big fourth quarter to knock off No. 3 seed Southern Utah, 70-65, and advance at the WAC Tournament.
Kira Reynolds led the way with 23 points, six rebounds, and nine made free throws, while Jadyn Atchison added 13 points on 6-11 shooting. Kendal Robinson also reached double figures with 10 points, and Nya Threatt finished with seven points and a team-high five assists.
"There's something when you're hungry, you have to leave it all out there, and I'm always going to have the utmost confidence in my team." said coach Wright.
UTA opened the game with 15 points in the first quarter before Southern Utah carried a 20-15 lead into the second. The Thunderbirds pushed their halftime edge to 32-29, but the Lady Mavs answered with a 16-12 third quarter to trim the deficit to one entering the final period.
UTA trailed 32-29 at the half, but flipped the game with a steady second-half push and a 25-point fourth quarter. The Lady Mavs turned a tight back-and-forth finish in their favor with late execution at the line, taking the lead for good in the final minute and holding off the Thunderbirds down the stretch.
In the fourth, UT Arlington delivered its best offensive quarter of the afternoon. A late layup from Aaliyah Goudeau and clutch free throws in the closing seconds helped the Lady Mavs finish the comeback and seal the five-point win.
"Our kids found a way not to panic, and our kids came off the bench and found a way to respond," Wright said.
UTA shot 40% from the floor and made the most of its opportunities at the stripe, going 27-38 on free throws. The Lady Mavs also held edges in points in the paint 32-24, points off turnovers 17-15, second-chance points 12-7, and steals, 8-4.
"Honestly, it was just us meshing together, we played the whole game [together], we didn't fold at all," sophomore guard Kendal Robinson said.
Southern Utah was led by Brooklyn Fely, Audrey Uhrich, and Abby Chambers, who scored 13, 13, and nine points, respectively.
NEXT UP
UT Arlington advances to the WAC Tournament semifinals to battle No. 2 seed Abilene Christian on Friday at 4:30 CT.
