Langstaff, Thornton go for 20+ in defeat at UTA

Saturday, February 18

Arlington, Texas

2 p.m.

Abilene Christian

12-14,6-9WAC

UT Arlington

13-14,7-8WAC

Abilene Christian

UT Arlington

Photo by: Dawson Presley

Langstaff, Thornton go for 20+ in defeat at UTA

2/18/2023 8:04:00 PM | Women's Basketball

Box Score

ARLINGTON — Maleeah Langstaff and Aspen Thornton combined for 45 points, Bella Earle and Madi Miller each played 37 minutes, but the ACU women's basketball team could not overcome a tough second quarter on the road at UT Arlington on Saturday, ultimately falling in the end, 82-73. The Wildcats (12-14, 6-9 WAC) led 27-23 at the end of the first quarter, but were outscored 19-9 in the second 10 minutes, and ultimately could not overcome the halftime deficit. ACU hit eight three-pointers, but were out-rebounded and missed eight free throws in the loss. ACU will return home for a game next Thursday against Southern Utah.

Key Plays

Addison Martin, Thornton, and Langstaff got the game started with baskets, and ACU led 6-2 two minutes into the game.
After Thornton hit a couple free throws, Earle got on on a fast break and buried a three to extend the lead to 11-4.
ACU built up a 17-6 lead in the first with a Miller triple, but UTA closed the gap to eventually tie the game at 23-23. ACU would go up four at the end of the first after four consecutive points from Langstaff.
UTA outscored ACU 19-9 in the second quarter and held the 'Cats to 4-15 shooting in the frame.
ACU trailed by as many as nine in the second, but a Langstaff three with eight seconds left kept the 'Cats down six, 42-36, at halftime.
The Wildcats closed the gap to four in the third quarter, but UTA quickly pulled back up 10. Down nine, Langstaff hit a three at the third-quarter buzzer and it was a six-point lead going to the fourth.
Thornton converted an and-one to open the fourth, and it was a three-point game, 60-57. However, a minute-and-a-half later, UTA was back up 11. ACU never got it close enough the rest of the game.

Turning Point
The back-half of the first quarter was a big deal. Instead of an early 11-point lead, UTA got it back to a four-point game, then dominated the second quarter. The game turned at that point and UTA was able to dictate the game from that point forward.

Stat Pack

Langstaff led the way with 25 points on 10-21 shooting. The veteran added eight rebounds as well Saturday.
Thornton scored 20 on 7-10 shooting including three makes from distance. The point guard added five boards and a pair of assists.
Langstaff and Thornton combined for 31 shot attempts and 45 of the 73 points.
Maritn scored 11 to go with three boards.
Earle tallied five assists and three steals to go with her seven points.

Up Next
The Wildcats will return to Moody Coliseum next Thursday night for a matchup with Southern Utah. The game tips at 6 p.m. and will air on ESPN+.

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