Nov. 23, 2005
Contact: Carlos Valdez III. (210) 458-4930
Roadrunners set to host Thanksgiving Classic
Complete Release | Live Audio (UTSA games only)
UTSA Thanksgiving Classic web site
SAN ANTONIO, Texas - The University of Texas at San Antonio women’s basketball program looks to rebound after a 63-41 loss to Tulsa on Nov. 22, when they host the annual Thanksgiving Classic on Nov. 25-26 at the Convocation Center.
Play begins Friday, with New Mexico State playing Missouri-Kansas City at 5 p.m., while UTSA and Arkansas-Little Rock will tip off at 7 p.m. On Saturday, UALR and UMKC play at 2 p.m., while the Roadrunners will face NMSU at 4 p.m.
UTSA and NMSU have met four times with each team winning two games apiece at their home floor. The last meeting between these two clubs was on Dec. 31, 1990, with the Runners coming out with a 98-84 victory in the Convocation Center.
The Trojans and Roadrunners will meet for the first time since the 1987-88 season. UTSA and UALR have split in the prior two meetings. In their first meeting, the Roadrunners defeated the Trojans 76-71 on Jan.14, 1988 in the Convocation Center. UALR defended its home court with a 75-69 win over UTSA on Feb. 9, 1988.
Last Outing
The Golden Hurricane second half surge ended UTSA’s two-game winning streak with a 63-41 win at the Convocation Center on Nov. 22…TU had four players score in double figures…Leading the way was senior forward Emily Jaskowiak with 16 points…Senior forward Megan Moody and junior forward Jillian Robbins each added 14 and 13 points, respectively…Junior guard Tandem Mays chipped in with 12 points…Senior guard Nicole Dunson led the Roadrunners with 13 points, while freshman guard Farren Fox poured in a career-high nine points…After hitting six 3-pointers in the first half, UTSA went 0-9 in the second…TU’s defense held the Runners to 25 percent shooting from the from floor, while they shot 42 percent.
Setting The Scene
After suffering its first loss of the season to Tulsa (63-41) on Nov. 22, UTSA looks to get back on track when they host Arkansas-Little Rock this Friday. UALR and UTSA meet for the first time since the 1987-88 season. The Runners and Trojans split both games with each team winning in their home floor.
Scouting The Trojans
Arkansas-Little Rock comes into town with a two-game winning streak, after defeating Jackson State 54-44 on Nov 18 and Centenary 73-48 on Nov 22. The Trojans had three players score in double-digits against Centenary. Freshman forward Renee Renz led the team with 23 points and 12 broads, while freshman forward Ashley Johnson and junior guard Jocelyn Love scored 14 and 13 points, respectively.
Not So Kind Home Confines
Tulsa’s defense shut down UTSA’s offense throughout the game. TU held the Roadrunners to 25 percent shooting from the floor and forced 18 turnovers. The Runners only 14 field goals for the game.
Runners In Tournament Play
UTSA is 2-0 in tournament action this season. Their two wins came at the Golden Knights Classic hosted by Central Florida in Orlando Fla. The Roadrunners collected their wins against West Virginia (57-54) on Nov. 18 and Florida A&M (71-61) on Nov. 19.
Fox’s Coming Out Party
Freshman guard Farren Fox scored a career-high nine points against Tulsa. Fox connected on three 3-pointers and hauled in two rebounds.
A First For Coach Rippetoe-Blair
The 2-0 start marks the first time Coach Rippetoe-Blair has begun a season winning the first two games, during her six-year tenure at UTSA.
Last Time The Runners Were 2-0
During the 1996-97 season, head coach Terry Gray was the last coach to started the year 2-0. UTSA defeated Schreiner 82-43 on Nov. 22 and Texas-Pan American 53-39 on Nov. 23.
Veteran Leadership
The three seniors (Nicole Dunson, Lacy Mingee and Katie Sandefur) on Coach Rippetoe-Blair’s squad were a huge in the Golden Knights Tourney, combining for 28.5 points per game.
Strong Finisher
Davis’ 17 points against West Virginia helped UTSA upset the Mountaineers in Friday’s 57-54 win at the UCF tournament. The Houston, Texas native scored 12 of her 17 points in the second half, including nine points during UTSA’s 16-3 run to tie the game with 7:34 left in the game.
Ewalefo Dominates The Rattlers
Vivian Ewalefo’s 22 points and nine rebounds were enough to lift UTSA over Florida A&M, 71-61 win at the Central Florida Tournament on Nov. 19. The junior transfer from Barton County Community College connected on 10-of-15 from the field (67 percent).
High Expectations In The SLC
UTSA was picked to finish second in the SLC coaches and SID’s polls, behind Texas-Arlington.
First Timers
This season UTSA will play four teams for the first time in school history. Beginning with West Virginia and Florida A&M in the Central Florida Tournament. Davidson on Dec. 2 at the Rice Tournament. Play host to Buffalo in the Wells Fargo New Year’s Classic on Dec. 30.
Looking For Number 200
Head Coach Rae Rippetoe-Blair is 10 wins shy of reaching 200 career wins.
Who’s Next For The Roadrunners
UTSA continues tournament play against New Mexico State on Nov. 26, in the Convocation Center at 4 p.m.