Redshirt sophomore guard Amiyah Reynolds takes a jump shot over two University of Wyoming defenders Nov. 11 at College Park Center. Reynolds had one rebound.
UTA women’s basketball (1-2) cruised to a 64-44 win over the University of Wyoming (1-2) Tuesday at College Park Center, netting them their first win of the season.
UTA got out to an early 14-4 run in the first quarter, thanks in part to four made three-pointers. That efficiency was the key to their win as the team finished 10/15 from three and 25/51 from the field, both season highs.
Despite a hot start, UTA struggled to keep Wyoming off the board, giving up offensive rebounds that allowed Wyoming to get within two points going into the second quarter.
Junior forward Miraya Perkins, left, guards Madi Symons, University of Wyoming junior forward, in a game Nov. 11 at College Park Center. Perkins scored four points.
The Mavericks took those punches and kept playing a winning brand of basketball, getting to their spots and putting up good shots, leading to a 28-23 lead going into the half.
Freshman forward Kira Reynolds posted a team high of 14 points, 13 rebounds and five blocks on 70% shooting, dominating both ends of the floor.
Junior guard Jadyn Atchison followed right behind her with a season-high 12 points on an efficient 45% shooting. Redshirt junior forward Mila Reynolds also scored a season high 11 points, only missing one shot all game.
Senior guard Kali Haizlip gets fouled by Henna Sandvik, University of Wyoming senior guard, during a game Nov. 11 at College Park Center. Haizlip scored two points.
Kira Reynolds credits her all-around performance to her team’s trust in her to make the right plays. She said when playing, she’s just out there doing what her coaches ask of her.
“That’s part of how I play, what I do,” Reynolds said. “All that just comes with my team supporting me.”
Head coach Shereka Wright speaks to her team during halftime in a game against the University of Wyoming on Nov. 11 at College Park Center. Wright was hired as head coach in 2020.
Atchison echoed that sentiment, saying the pace of the game and her coaches’ shooting tips allowed her to have a breakout game. Atchison said one of the coaches told the team that if they made five threes, they would win the game — they doubled that.
Coming out of the half, the Mavericks looked rejuvenated on the defensive end, forcing multiple turnovers and shot clock violations. They held Wyoming to only 11 points in the third quarter. With defensive adjustments made and their shot falling at a high clip, the Mavericks kept the lead and never looked back.
“I think it’s just the little things. We were doing a good job of playing hard,” head coach Shereka Wright said when asked about the defensive changes made coming out of halftime. “In the second half, they really, really focus on attention to details, and again, active hands, making sure that they understand the game plan.”
After the game, the locker room was filled with cheering and celebrations.
Freshman forward Kira Reynolds attempts a layup, guarded by a University of Wyoming defender Nov. 11 at College Park Center. Reynolds scored 14 points.
“Well, you just want to get your first one, right?” Coach Wright said when asked what this win meant to the team. “When you finally get that, they now get to see ‘Boy, we can really lock into this. We can be really, really special.’”
The Mavericks will end their three-game home stand at 5 p.m. Friday at College Park Center as they take on Tennessee State University.
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