Late defensive effort sends UTA women by Denver

By Travis Detherage

Special to the Star-Telegram

ARLINGTON — UT Arlington had a strong defensive performance in a 66-55 win over Denver at the College Park Center on Thursday night.

The Mavericks held the Pioneers to 31 percent shooting and limited them to three field goals in the last 8:48 of the game.

“Overall this was our best defensive performance for 40 minutes tonight,” UTA interim coach Karen Blair said.

The 31 percent shooting was the third-lowest output the Pioneers have had this season.

Blair said communication of the defensive side was key.

“They just really all played together tonight and even though we had some miscommunication, they were still picking each other up and helping each other,” Blair said. “Not turning the ball over also helped.”

The Mavericks (7-21, 4-13) started the game on a 6-0 run, but the Pioneers came back and tied it 6-6 with 14:30 left in the first half.

The Mavericks then went on a 9-0 run to take a 17-8 lead. They would take their largest lead at 25-15 with 3:57 remaining in the first half.

Morgan Van Riper-Rose, who finished with 26 points for Denver, hit three 3-pointers in a row to cut the Mavericks’ lead to 29-25 heading into halftime.

The Pioneers (13-15, 8-9) took their first lead of the game at 40-39 with 10:51 remaining, but it would be the last time they would have a lead as the Mavericks made back-to-back 3-pointers to make the score 45-40.

The Pioneers cut the deficit to four points with 3:34 left, but the Mavericks finished the game on a 13-6 run with nine of those points coming on free throws.

The Mavericks will wrap up the regular season against New Mexico State on Saturday at College Park Center.

Looking for comments?