Feb. 1, 2006
Contact: Carlos Valdez III. (210) 458-4930
Roadrunners look to extend win streak on the road this week
SAN ANTONIO - UTSA begins a four-game road swing this week when they travel to Louisiana for two conference games. The Roadrunners’ first stop will be in Thibodaux, La., for a matchup against Nicholls State on Thursday, Feb. 2, at 6:30 p.m. The Runners continue their trip to Hammond, La., as Southeastern Louisiana plays host to UTSA on Feb. 4 at 3 p.m.
UTSA Roadrunners (11-7, 6-1 SLC)
at
Nicholls State Lady Colonels (2-17, 1-7 SLC)
Thursday, Feb. 2 • 6:30 p.m.
Stopher Gym • Thibodaux, La.
UTSA Roadrunners (11-7, 6-1 SLC)
at
Southeastern Louisiana Lady Lions (6-12, 3-5 SLC)
Saturday, Feb. 4 • 3 p.m.
University Center • Hammond, La.
Last Outing:
Junior forward Vivian Ewalefo’s 16 points led four Roadrunners in double figures scoring, as UTSA held off Louisiana-Monroe Lady Indians 71-70 in Southland Conference action on Jan. 28 in the Convocation Center. Senior guard Nicole Dunson and senior center Lacy Mingee added 15 and 12 points, respectively, while freshman guard Monica Gibbs chipped in with a career-high 14 points. Ewalefo also held game-high honors with a career-best six steals and grabbed a team-high nine rebounds. The Runners have reeled off a season-high four straight wins.
Scouting Report On Nicholls St. and Southeastern La.
Nicholls State has dropped its last three of four contests, including three consecutive games. Their only conference win was a 62-51 win over McNeese State on Jan. 19, in Thibodaux, La. Leading NSU in scoring is junior guard Jamie Octave averaging 14.4 points per game and ranks fifth in the league. Sophomore guard Katherine Plummer’s 10.3 points per contest ranks second on the team.
Southeastern Louisiana snapped its three-game losing steak with a 67-48 over Nicholls State on Jan. 28 in Hammond, La. The Lady Lions are 3-3 in their last six games. Junior forward Tina Wilson tops the team in scoring (10.7 ppg), while junior forward Brenita Williams leads the team averaging 6.7 rebounds per game.
Last Meeting Between UTSA and Nicholls State
Last season, UTSA and Nicholls State split their meeting with each team winning at their own court. In their first meeting, the Roadrunners escaped with a 58-53 victory on Jan. 14 at the Convocation Center. Nicholls State bounced back with a 58-54 in Thibodaux, La. The Runners lead the all-time series 21-11 and are 8-9 in Stopher Gym.
Last Meeting UTSA and Southeastern Louisiana
UTSA cruised past SLU, 75-56, on Jan. 5 in the Convocation Center. The Runners lead the all-time series 15-6 and are 5-4 in the University Center. The Roadrunners have won seven straight meetings against the Lady Lions.
Close Call
UTSA held off a late charge by ULM. The Runners looked like they secured the win with a 10-point lead in the final minute of play, but the Lady Indians went on a 10-1 run to cut the deficit to 71-70 with two seconds remaining in the game. Fox’s free throw with nine seconds left on the clock gave UTSA the edge, before a 3-pointer by Howard pulled ULM within one point with two seconds to go in the game, but the Roadrunners were able to run out the clock for the win.
200 In Sight
Coach Rippetoe-Blair is one win away of her 200th career win.
Another 10+ Season
The win over Northwestern State secured Coach Rippetoe-Blair’s sixth straight season with 10 or more wins.
End Of The Streak
UTSA hosted three SLC opponent that entered each game with winning streaks. SFA was the first victim to have its six-game winning streak snapped. The Lady Demons’s were second team to have their three-game winning streak stopped. ULM was the final foe to have its five-game winning streak come to an end.
Runners Ranks In SLC
Nicole Dunson leads the league in 3-point field goal percentage (.471) and 3-pointers made per game (2.18) and ranks fifth in field goal percentage (.469). Point guard Monica Gibbs stands fifth averaging 3.69 assists per game, while center Lacy Mingee ranks 11th in field goal percentage (.427).
Marking Her 3-Point Territory
In her second season at UTSA Nicole Dunson began the year 11th all-time list with 46 career made 3-pointers. Now, she is tied with former UTSA great Tammy Rogers for third with 86 trifecters made. The sharpshooter has connected on 40 3-point baskets this season, which tops the team and leads the team in 3-point shooting percentage at 47% and ranks first in the SLC. Dunson ranks eighth in the nation in 3-point field goal percentage.
Home Sweet Home
The Roadrunners are 7-3 mark in the Convocation Center this season and have won their last five home games.
League’s Top Scoring Team Shut Down
UTSA’s defense clamped down as they held the league’s top scoring offense, 74.5 points per game, to a season-low 48 points. They also held the Ladyjacks to under 40% shooting for the game.
Sandefur Named SLC Player of the Week
The Kingfisher, Okla., native earned Aeropostale/Southland Conference Player of the Week honor for her performance last week from Jan. 17 through Jan. 21. For the week, she averaged 16.0 points and 4.5 rebounds per game. She shot 67% from the field and 88% from the free throw line.
High Expectations In The SLC
UTSA was picked to finish second in the SLC coaches and SID’s polls, behind Texas-Arlington.
Who’s Next For The Roadrunners
UTSA hits the road for two more SLC games, when the Roadrunners visit McNeese State in Lake Charles, La., Feb. 9 at 7 p.m. and then go to Beaumont, Texas, for a match up against Lamar on Feb. 11 at 7 p.m.