Feb. 8, 2006
Contact: Carlos Valdez III. (210) 458-4930
UTSA hits the road for a pair of SLC contests
Game Notes | Live Audio
SAN ANTONIO - UTSA hits the road for a pair of SLC games this week. The Roadrunners head to Lake Charles, La., for a match up against McNeese State on Thursday, Feb. 9, at 7 p.m. UTSA concludes its trip in Beaumont against Lamar on Saturday, Feb. 11, at 7 p.m.
UTSA Roadrunners (12-8, 7-2 SLC)
at
McNeese State Cowgirls (8-12, 2-7 SLC)
Thursday, Feb. 9 - 7 p.m.
Burton Coliseum - Lake Charles, La.
UTSA Roadrunners (12-8, 7-2 SLC)
at
Lamar Lady Cardinals (7-11, 2-6 SLC)
Saturday, Feb. 11 - 7 p.m.
Montagne Center - Beaumont, Texas
Last Outing:
Junior forward Vivian Ewalefo posted her third double-double of the season with 23 points and a career-high 13 rebounds; however, Southeastern Louisiana Lady Lions used a 14-0 run with the help of four consecutive 3-pointers midway through the second half to defeat the Roadrunners 66-63 in Southland Conference action Saturday afternoon in Hammond La. The loss to SLU snapped UTSA’s season-high five game winning streak. Senior guard Nicole Dunson moved to third on the all-time career list for 3-pointers made with 89, surpassing former Roadrunner Tammy Rogers. The win at Nicholls State gave UTSA coach Rae Rippetoe-Blair her 200th career victory.
Scouting Report On McNeese St. and Lamar
McNeese State snapped a five-game losing streak with a 67-54 win at Lamar on Feb. 4. On the year, the Cowgirls are 8-12 overall and 2-7 in SLC play. Senior forward Regina Spivey leads the team in scoring averaging 12.6 points per game.
Meanwhile, Lamar is 7-11 on the year and 2-6 in league play. The Lady Cardinals have dropped its last two games, including a 67-54 outing against McNeese State. Lamar’s two wins in conference play came against McNeese State on Jan. 5 and Nicholls State on Jan. 26. Junior guard LaToya Carson tops the team in scoring 14.6 points per and leads them in rebounding (5.3 rpg).
Last Meeting Between UTSA and McNeese State
UTSA breeze by McNeese State with a 70-58 win on Jan. 7 at the Convocation Center. Ewalefo paced UTSA with a career-high 25 points and held a 40-24 advantage in the paint. McNeese leads the all-time series 15-13 and are 8-5 at Burton Coliseum; however, UTSA has dominated McNeese State winning 10 consecutive wins, including four in-a-row in Lake Charles, La.
Last Meeting UTSA and Lamar
UTSA swept the season series last year against Lamar. In their first meeting, the Roadrunners defeated the Lady Cardinals 69-59 in Beaumont on Feb. 5. At the Convo UTSA pounded LU 67-49 on Feb. 23. The Runners lead the all-time series 12-10 and are 5-4 in Beaumont. The Roadrunners have won six straight meetings against the Lady Cardinals, three of which have come in the Montagne Center.
UTSA Handles Nicholls State
Ewalefo and Mingee combined for 40 of UTSA’s 67 points in the win over Nicholls State on Feb. 2 at the Stopher Gym. Ewalefo collected her second double-double of the season with game-highs 23 points and 10 rebounds, while Mingee chipped in with 17 points on 8-of-12 shooting from the floor. The Runners defense suffocated the Lady Colonels offense to 30 percent shooting from the field in the second half.
Double Feature
Ewalefo record back-to-back double-doubles last week, averaging 23.0 points and 11.5 rebounds per game. The Las Vegas, Nev., native posted her first double-double with 16 points and 10 rebounds on Dec. 19, 2005. She now has three double-doubles in her career.
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. She has surpassed former UTSA great Tammy Rogers for third with 89 trifecters made and setting her sight at Rosie Smith for second on the list. The sharpshooter has connected on 43 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.
Runners Ranks In SLC
Nicole Dunson leads the league in 3-point field goal percentage (.478) and 3-pointers made per game (2.18) and ranks fifth in field goal percentage (.469). Point guard Monica Gibbs stands fifth averaging 4.00 assists per game, while center Lacy Mingee ranks 11th in field goal percentage (.447).
Road Worries For the Birds
This season UTSA has been great at home, but the road is a different story. The Roadrunners are 2-4 away from the Alamo City, including a 2-2 mark in SLC play. The last time UTSA had a winning road record during the 2002-2003 season with an 7-5 mark.
200th Career Victory
Coach Rippetoe-Blair won her 200th career game with the win over Nicholls State on Feb. 2.
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 with winning streaks. SFA’s six-game winning streak was snapped. The Lady Demons’ had their three-game winning streak stopped. ULM’s five-game winning streak come to an end.
Home Sweet Home
The Roadrunners are 7-3 mark in the Convocation Center this season and have won their last five home games.
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
Roadrunners return home for a two-game home stand, beginning Thursday, Feb. 16, against league-leading Texas-Arlington at 7 p.m. The UTSA and UTA game will be televised on Fox Sports Southwest.