February 14, 2009
San Antonio–Sixteenth ranked St. Mary’s University scored just eight points in the second half and saw their nine-game win streak end as they fell 46-43 to the University of Texas of the Permian Basin in Heartland Conference women’s basketball action Saturday afternoon at Bill Greehey Arena.
The Rattlers led 32-17 at the break, but made just 3-of-27 shots in the second half and committed 13 turnovers to let UTPB back into the game. Despite their struggles, St. Mary’s still led with a minute left in the game. But a Tammy Acosta jumper with 45 seconds left gave UTPB the lead for good and Callie Norris hit a pair of free throws to give the Falcons the final margin.
Chastity Noble (Jr., El Paso) was the only Rattler to score in double figures with 12 points, but hit on just 2-of-13 shots from the field. Ashton Benford (Sr., Waxahachie) scored nine points and pulled down six rebounds. Rachel Jones (Sr., Little Rock, Ark.) pulled down 13 rebounds and dished out seven assists.
For UTPB Acosta led the way with 14 points, while Lauren Unger chipped in with 11 points and Norris had 10.
With the loss St. Mary’s is now 20-3 overall and 9-1 in Heartland Conference play, while UTPB is 6-16, 4-6. The Rattlers will return to action on Saturday, Feb. 21 when they travel across town to take on the University of the Incarnate Word at 2 p.m.