Redshirt junior forward Mila Reynolds attempts a layup while Lauren Crocker, Utah Tech University junior forward, attempts to block it during a game Jan. 15 at College Park Center. Reynolds scored 17 points.
UTA (7-10) faced off against Utah Tech University (6-9) with a 64-56 win Thursday at College Park Center, breaking a five-game losing streak.
Heading into this conference matchup, the Lady Mavericks were 3-2 in home games but have struggled on the road with a 1-7 record.
The game was physical and tight from start to finish, keeping the crowd energetic and engaged. With a lot of back-and-forth action, neither team gained a lead higher than six points in the first half. Seven Mavericks scored in the first half, with freshman forward Kira Reynolds leading the team with nine points.
Senior guard Nya Threatt drives toward the basket during a game against Utah Tech University on Jan. 15 at College Park Center. Threatt scored three points.
Sophomore guard Kendal Robinson ignited the crowd with a steal to close out the second quarter and put the Mavericks up 33-29.
UTA gained momentum in the third quarter after multiple buckets from redshirt junior forward Mila Reynolds and redshirt sophomore guard Amiyah Reynolds. The Mavericks’ defense also turned up a notch, forcing four turnovers and multiple blocks. The Mavericks led 50-45 going into the fourth quarter.
Utah Tech fought back, but it wasn’t enough, as UTA never trailed in the second half and closed the game out 64-56.
Senior guard Nya Threatt attempts a layup during a game against Utah Tech University on Jan. 15 at College Park Center. Threatt has averaged 8.9 points this season.
Mila Reynolds led the balanced offensive attack for UTA with 17 points. Amiyah Reynolds totaled nine points and seven rebounds.
“Being one of the bigger guards, sometimes on the court, I know I am asked to get a lot of rebounds,” Amiyah Reynolds said. “I know that’s been a struggle for us to finish possessions, so I think that’s been a big emphasis for us.
Senior guard Nya Threatt starts a fast break after a steal during a game against Utah Tech University on Jan. 15 at College Park Center. Threatt had one steal.
Mila Reynolds had a big second half, scoring 12 of her 17 points, and she credited the team for finding her during her open spots through the physicality of Utah Tech.
“I felt understanding that their physicality would probably bother us. I know a lot of bigger teams will probably just do that to, again, bother us,” Mila Reynolds said. “Just trying to find different looks, I think what helped us the most and a little bit of perimeter shooting.”
UTA got its first conference win of the season and will look to stay consistent moving forward.
Head coach Shereka Wright said she knows what her team is capable of and has always thought the depth of the team has been a strength.
“Consistency matters. You put in the work, you get the results that you want,” Wright said. “You have to rise to the occasion. This is what you signed up for. You should want to compete at this level.”
Head coach Shereka Wright talks to the players during a game against Utah Tech University on Jan. 15 at College Park Center. UTA won 64-56.
UTA will continue conference play with a match against Utah Valley University at 1 p.m. Saturday at College Park Center.
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