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+.
Follow ACU Women's Basketball on Social Media
Twitter: @ACUWBB | @ACUsports
Instagram: @acuwbb | @acusports
Facebook: /ACUWomensBasketball | /ACUSports
#GoWildcats
