SAN ANTONIO – Marie Benson and Tija Hawkins each posted a double-double as the Roadrunners topped Texas A&M-Kingsville 86-55 to close out 2018.
Marie Benson garnered her sixth double-double and 19th in her career with 29 points and 15 rebounds, as Tija Hawkins hit her first of the season and second in her career with 19 points and 12 rebounds. Both are career highs for Hawkins.
The Roadrunners started the first quarter strong, forcing six turnovers on five steals. UTSA out-rebounded the Javelinas 19-8, including 11 offensive rebounds. Junior Marie Benson hit her 11th double-digit game, scoring 10 points as the Roadrunners led 18-9 after the first.
Karrington Donald led the team in the second quarter with seven points as the Roadrunners shot 35 percent from the field. UTSA led 37-25 going to halftime.
In the third quarter, the Roadrunners posted 27 points as they went on an 8-0 run. Shots by Karrington Donald, Tija Hawins and Marie Benson pushed the lead to 23. Hawkins scored 11 points to lead the team as the Roadrunners were up by 20 points (64-44) going to the fourth quarter.
The Roadrunners had a 12-0 run in the fourth and held the Javelina from scoring for 4:17. Marie Benson scored 10 points in the quarter and posted her third 20-point game of the season.
Tija Hawkins posted career highs in points, rebounds, field goals made and attempted to help the Roadrunners capture the victory.
UTSA returns to action on Saturday when it opens Conference USA action. The Roadrunners host UTEP at 2 p.m at the Convocation Center. The game will be streamed on ESPN+.
Checkout this recap from today's victory! #BirdsUp pic.twitter.com/Z7lrECngZs
— UTSA Women's Basketball (@UTSAWBB) December 31, 2018
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