| Freshman Judy Jones posted her third double-double of the season on Saturday. |
CORPUS CHRISTI — The UTSA women’s basketball team dropped its first Southland Conference game with a 52-48 loss at Texas A&M-Corpus Christi Saturday afternoon at the Dugan Wellness Center.
The Roadrunners dropped to 9-8 on the year and 3-1 in league play, while the Islanders improved to 12-6 overall and 4-1 in conference action
Freshman Judy Jones, who collected her third double-double of the season, led three Runners in double-figures with 12 points. The Monroe, La., native also hauled in 12 rebounds to go along with four steals. Junior Kameisha Johnson and sophomore Whitney York added 11 apiece.
Texas A&M-Corpus Christi was led by Jade Davis’ game-high 24 points, while Shaye Montgomery chipped in with nine and Myeisha Myles hauled in a game-best 13 rebounds.
In second half action saw both teams combine for six lead changes and four ties.
UTSA and A&M-Corpus Christi traded baskets back and fourth to open the second frame. Jones' back-to-back jumpers gave the Roadrunners the 33-30 lead with 11:08 remaining. However, Ashely Darley’s lay up and Davis’ three-point play put the Islanders atop 35-33 three minutes later. Freshman Jermini Malone knocked down three free throws that gave the Runners a 38-35 advantage with 6:30 showing on the clock.
A&M-Corpus Christi responded with six consecutive points over the following two minutes for the 41-38 margin. Johnson’s third three-ball of the game with 2:42 to go capped off a 7-0 run to give the Roadrunners a four-point advantage (45-41).
Davis and Elisha Beagle combined for the next seven points that gave Islanders the 48-45 lead with 42 seconds. Jones made it a one-point game with her two free throws 15 ticks later. Montgomery came back with a free throw of her own to make it 49-47.
Jones hit 1-of-2 from the foul line to get the Roadrunners within 49-48 with 22 seconds. The Runners failed on the steal attempt and fouled Davis, but missed on the back end of the one-one. Jones collected the rebound and pushed it up the court, but turned the ball over with 14 seconds remaining giving Texas A&M-Corpus Christi the ball back. Davis extended the lead to 52-48 and held on.
Johnson’s 3-pointer from the left wing put UTSA up 11-6 with 14:35 to go in the first half. York reeled off seven straight points and a lay up by freshman Whitney Wright pushed the Roadrunners lead to 12 points (21-9) at the 7-minute mark.
Texas A&M-Corpus Christi closed out the half on a 16-3 run for the 25-24 lead at the half. Davis highlighted the spurt with six points.
UTSA returns to the Convocation Center for a league contest against I-35 rival Texas State on Wednesday, Jan. 27. Tip off is slated for 7 p.m.