RUSTON, La. — Carlie Heineman went for a career-high 20 points while three other Roadrunners scored in double figures, but it was not enough to get past Louisiana Tech Saturday afternoon, as the Lady Techsters handed UTSA a 77-71 setback at the Thomas Assembly Center.
A very familiar fourth-quarter action resulted in the same outcome from Thursday night's loss at Southern Miss. UTSA (11-12, 7-5 C-USA) managed to even the score on several occasions, the final at the 3:58 mark, but it was unable to pull away for a lead.
A costly turnover with less than a minute to play allowed for Louisiana Tech to extend its lead to five, an advantage the Roadrunners were unable to overcome.
The Roadrunners' late fourth-quarter comeback began late in the third quarter. UTSA switched gears in the third and came within a score to end the frame. The Roadrunners held LA Tech to 35.3 percent shooting and ended on a 14-0 run, holding the Lady Techsters scoreless in the last 3:44.
For UTSA, Heineman led all scorers on 6-of-13 shooting from behind the arc to go along with a pair of assists and a block.
Meanwhile, Tesha Smith chipped in with 15 points and seven rebounds while Kasia Kiejdrowska and Loryn Goodwin each netted 10 points each.
Alexus Malone led the Lady Techsters lineup with 18 points and eight boards.
The Roadrunners shot 40.3 percent from the floor and were 9-of-10 from the free throw line.
UTSA's strong start in the opening stanza faltered in the second. The Roadrunners led 20-17 after the first stanza but were outscored 27-10 in the second.
Louisiana Tech closed out the second quarter on a 12-4 run to lead 44-30 at the half. The Lady Techsters held the Roadrunners to 25 percent shooting in the second as they home team fired away with 56.3 percent.
UTSA will return to the Alamo City for a four-game home stand that will begin on Thursday, Feb. 16, against Rice. Tip-off is scheduled for 7 p.m.
