SAN ANTONIO — First-year head coach Kristen Holt picked up her first career victory at UTSA behind 23 and 17 points from Marie Benson and Tija Hawkins, respectively, as UTSA defeated Sul Ross State 97-47 on Friday night.
Benson paced the Roadrunners with 11 shots from the floor along while also collecting 10 rebounds. Hawkins followed with seven shots from the floor, a trio of free throws and a game-high 11 rebounds. Overall, UTSA held a 36-17 edge on the glass.
UTSA pounded the ball inside all night and outscored the Lobos 52-33 in the paint while also holding the visitors to just 28.8 percent shooting, including 24.14 percent (7-of-29) in the second half.
Taylor Gass led Sul Ross State with 21 points, while Angalyn Latin chipped in 16 points.
UTSA drew blood first as its first three shots of the game went unanswered. Benson scored four of the first six points for the Roadrunners.
The Birds carried their momentum over to the second quarter as they extended their advantage to as much as 22 points. Propelled by 15 points from Benson and 11 from Carlie Heineman, UTSA closed out the first half with a 49-28 advantage.
Coming out of intermission the Roadrunners only solidified their control as they went 18-28 from the floor. In the third quarter Benson went 4-for-4 while UTSA limited Sul Ross to just three points. The Roadrunners kept their advantage for the rest of the way they put up 23 points in the final quarter and held Sul Ross to just 10 points.
Up next, UTSA will take to the road for the first time on Sunday with a 3 p.m. matchup against Arizona State in Tempe, Ariz.