SAN ANTONIO — Tesha Smith netted a career-high 22 points to lead UTSA to its first victory of the season in a 77-51 decision against Illinois State on the first day of the UTSA Thanksgiving Classic.
Smith scored 16 points in the first half to lead UTSA (1-2). The San Antonio native finished the night 11-of-14 from the field and she also grabbed 11 rebounds for her first double-double of the season.
The Roadrunners’ hot shooting was also attributed to the 10 players who stepped foot on the hardwood and scored at least two points. Akunna Elonu added 12 points on the day off 3-of-6 shooting, including her first career 3-pointers, and 4-of-6 shooting from the charity stripe.
The hot start was sparked by a Dempsey Thornton layup at the 9:12 mark that ended the first quarter on a 24-0 run and leading visiting Illinois State 26-3.
Through three games with the implementation of the four 10-minute quarters, it was the lowest scoring half by an opponent. All but one Roadrunner scored in the opening frame.
In the second quarter, the Roadrunners extended its scoring barrage after a basket by Sara Anastasieska at the 9:08 mark put UTSA up 28-3. A free throw by Millie Stevens at the 8:48 snapped the Roadrunners’ hot streak.
At the half, UTSA was shooting 66.7 percent (20-of-30) from the field and ended Friday’s contest firing 57.1 percent (32-of-56).
Illinois State (1-3) used a 6-0 run late in the third quarter to make up some of the deficit to trail the Roadrunners 56-30. The Redbirds were held to just eight points in the third after outscoring UTSA 21-19 in the second period.
The Redbirds outscored UTSA once again in the fourth quarter, 19-14, but would not be enough to make up the deficit as the Roadrunners walked away with the win, 77-51.
Olivia Crump was Illinois State’s leading scorer with 11 points, five rebounds and two steals.
UTSA will host Houston Baptist in the tournament finale at 2 p.m. on Sunday.