SAN ANTONIO — A tough third quarter cost the St. Mary's University Women's Basketball on Saturday against visiting UT Tyler, as they dropped a 56-51 decision.
The Patriots (12-6, 8-1) outscored the Rattlers (9-6, 4-5) 19-to-10 in the third stanza to take a 42-31 lead into the final quarter. StMU scored six more points than UTT in the fourth period, but it wasn't quite enough.
The game also had a lengthy delay in the fourth quarter as officials reviewed a play underneath the Patriots' basket, during which three flagrant fouls and one technical foul were issued.
Junior
Allie Garcia (Adelaide, South Australia) led all players with 18 points, draining four triples on the day, while both seniors
Aina Maynou (Cabrera de Mar, Spain) and
Quezia Bertoni (Sao Paulo, Brazil) chipped in 10, with a combined nine points at the free throw line, as the two were 9-for-9. The team finished 12-for-15 at the charity stripe (80%).
Sophomore
Raynne Malik (London, Ontario) led the game with seven rebounds, while Bertoni led all players with six assists. For the first time this season, Malik did not block a shot during the game, snapping a 16-game streak with at least one swat.
UT Tyler was led in scoring by Hayley Cumming with 15 points, and Leila Davis led the team with six rebounds. The Patriots had the edge in rebounds, 34-to-32, and doubled up the Rattlers in offensive rebounds, 15-to-7.
At halftime of the game, the team and the University honored Sydney Hardeman (2018-2022) in a celebration of life for the three-point sharp-shooter who passed away in November. The game was also Alumni Day, and the women's basketball team had a large group attend, including Ashton (Benford) Andross (2006-2009), Ciara Briseno (2015-2017), Kiara Etheridge (2015-2017), LaBraile Fields (2016-2017), Stephanie (Smith) Fincke (1994-1997), Jackie Fishbeck Horras (1989-1990), Brianna Ford (2019-2022), Farren Fox (2008-2009), Natalie Gamez (2006-2009), Erin Griffin (2001-2004), Teresa Gwin (1990), Tresa Hermes (1989-1992), Mariah Lee (2013-2016), Diana Lozano (1988-1991), Juliett Martinez (2021-2023), Chastity Noble (2007-2010), Briley Perkins (2020-2023), Faith Phillips (2022-2023), Amber Polvado (2010-2013), Lori Ripper (2004-2008), Alexis Robinson (2022-2024), Jessie Smith (2006-2009), Crystal Thomas (2018-2019), and Kim Watson (1984-1987).
The Rattlers head back out on the road, looking to snap the four-game losing skid in Oklahoma with games at Oklahoma Christian on Thursday and Cameron on Saturday afternoon. The Eagles defeated Western New Mexico, 75-65, while the Aggies won 70-64 over Sul Ross State.
