Redshirt sophomore Erin Sellers, left, guards the ball from Joana Magalhães, University of New Mexico sophomore guard, before shooting the ball during a game Oct. 28 at College Park Center. Sellers had three rebounds.
The UTA women’s basketball team missed its mark in its season debut, losing an exhibition match 79-56 against the University of New Mexico at College Park Center.
In addition to being the preseason opener, the game made history for the Lady Mavericks and the university, marking UTA’s first-ever exhibition game against a Division I opponent.
Head coach Shereka Wright said bringing in a tough opponent was good for both the team and the fans to see how a high-level team executes and performs.
Redshirt sophomore guard Amiyah Reynolds, left, and senior guard Nya Threatt cheer during a game against the University of New Mexico on Oct. 28 at College Park Center. UTA lost 79-56.
“You’re looking at two really good mid-major programs that have a lot of talent,” Wright said. “Just wait until you kind of see later on in November and go into December — you really want to see how these teams are progressing.”
Wright said the team was shaking off early-season jitters but loved the atmosphere of the crowd and said this game did exactly what it was supposed to: show the team where they are and what needs to be worked on.
UTA had seven blocks and 16 offensive rebounds while also topping New Mexico in second chance points 18-13.
Sophomore guard Kendal Robinson, right, attempts a layup while Cacia Antonio, University of New Mexico junior guard, attempts to block during a game Oct. 28 at College Park Center. Robinson scored 13 points.
Despite the loss, the Lady Mavericks had some positives as they forced 18 turnovers and held the Lobos to 39.7% shooting from the field. Freshman forward Kira Reynolds stood out in her debut, pouring in 16 points with 60% shooting from the field and four blocks. Sophomore guard Kendal Robinson made her mark, scoring 13 points.
The game started off tightly contested, with the Lady Mavericks trailing 18-13 after the first quarter. New Mexico pulled further ahead in the second quarter, leading 38-24 at halftime.
UTA looked to have a dominant presence inside but struggled from outside the arc, shooting 0-18 for 3-pointers. The Lady Mavericks also had 21 turnovers while shooting about 69% from the free-throw line, opening up lessons to be learned going into the season.
“I think shooting, that was the first thing for us,” Wright said. “We probably took some quick shots where our feet were not set, and then we had some shots that were wide open. We can’t go 0-for-18. It’s just the bottom line — you got to be able to knock down shots.”
Junior guard Jadyn Atchison defends the ball during a game against the University of New Mexico on Oct. 28 at College Park Center. Atchison scored six points.
Despite the loss, Wright said she is eager about the team and all its changes, anticipating what they can accomplish this year. She said she was happy about how far women’s basketball has come and is excited for the season to begin.
As the game went on, the Lobos’ lead would ultimately be too much for the Lady Mavericks to overcome, despite having 26 points off the bench. The team found itself in a 32-point hole, trailing 64-32 going into the fourth quarter.
Junior guard Jadyn Atchison attempts to pass the ball while Nayli Padilla, University of New Mexico sophomore guard, attempts to block. Atchison had three rebounds.
UTA built some momentum late in the fourth quarter with an 8-2 run, cutting the lead to 21. New Mexico outscored them for the remainder of the game, prevailing in the end.
The Lady Mavericks look to rally in their first official preseason match and road game against the University of Houston at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday at the Fertitta Center in Houston.
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