Kansas City
Texas-Arlington
Nezianya Double-Double Can't Overpower Mavericks, `Roos Fall 75-68
11/20/2010 7:52:00 PM | Women's Basketball
Kansas City, Mo. -- The UMKC women's basketball team dropped a 75-68 decision to Texas-Arlington on Saturday night inside Swinney Recreation Center. The Kangaroos fall to 1-2 on the year, while the Mavericks notch their first win of the season and improve to 1-2. Despite the loss, Kim Nezianya recorded her first double-double of the year, leading the `Roos with 15 points and 11 rebounds. Dayon Hall-Jones continued to stay in double figures, scoring 13 points.
The Kangaroos jumped out to an early lead, following four quick points by Jade Tinner and Nezianya. The Mavericks tied the game just a minute later and pieced together a 16-0 run over a span of six minutes, taking an 18-6 lead.
The `Roos battled back in the middle minutes of the first half, working their way back to within five points (22-17) with 8:38 remaining. Just two minutes later, UMKC was able to get within two and tie the game, 22-22, following a Sam Sikkink three-pointer and a Nezianya jumper.
Texas-Arlington regained the lead and was able to head into the locker room with a six point lead, 35-29.
The Mavericks secured a 10-point lead (42-32) just three minutes into the start of the second half. Texas-Arlington would take its biggest lead of the night at the 11 minute mark, 56-40, following a Sabreena DeNure three-pointer. The Mavericks were able to hold a comfortable lead during the middle minutes of the second half.
The Kangaroos sense of urgency finally kicked in with five minutes remaining in the game. Back-to-back jumpers by Simone Bridges and Hailey Houser would cut the Mavericks lead to eight points, 64-56, with 4:57 left on the clock. Texas-Arlington would again jump back out ahead by ten points, 66-55, with three minutes left.
UMKC didn't give up though and worked off those six points, getting to within four, 68-64, with 1:13 left on the clock. With time not on their side, the `Roos had no choice but to foul, sending the Mavericks to the line. Tamara Simmons went 4-for-4 from the line in the final minute, to always keep the Mavericks two plays away from UMKC. Simmons led all players with 21 points, aiding her team in handing UMKC its first loss in Swinney Recreation Center since Feb. 2, 2009.
Next up on the schedule for UMKC is SIU Edwardsville on Nonv. 23 at 7 p.m., inside Swinney Recreation Center.
