The University of Mississippi Athletics
Rebels Sloppy In 66-55 Loss To UT-Arlington
12/29/2006 | Women's Basketball
“We were careless in our approach to this game and it carried over into our play,” said Ole Miss head coach Carol Ross. “We looked lethargic on the court and did not play with the level of intensity I expect out of our players.”
From the opening tip-off, the Rebels were out of sync, turning the ball over on consecutive possessions to begin the game. The Mavericks quickly opened up a 4-0 lead and never trailed in the game.
Ole Miss got on the board with a jumper by senior guard Ashley Awkward and stayed with UT-Arlington for the first few minutes of the opening period before allowing the Mavericks to open up a nine-point margin at 20-11. Five straight points by senior guard Armintie Price cut the lead to four points at 20-16. UTA was not done though, the Mavericks took a 35-29 lead into the break after forcing the Rebels into 18 first half turnovers.
Both teams traded turnovers to open the second period with Ole Miss trimming the lead to one point at 37-36. The Rebels could never get over the hump and failed to score on their next three possessions, while UTA pushed the lead back to five points. The Mavericks opened their largest lead of 12 points with less than four minutes remaining, before holding off Ole Miss and taking the 66-55 win.
Price led all scorers with 20 points. She also tallied six rebounds and four steals. Senior forward Jada Mincy recorded her third career double-double and first of the season with 12 points and 11 rebounds. Mincy made 10-of-11 foul shots and also had two steals. Awkward and freshman guard Alliesha Easley each added six points.
The Mavericks were led by Tiffeny Riles’ 19 points. Maryann Abanobi added 14 points, while Ashley Bobb had 11 rebounds, nine points, six assists and five steals.
The Rebels made 39.5 percent of their shots from the field, making 15-of-38. They made 25-of-38 foul shots and had just eight steals and six assists. In addition they were out-rebounded 43-31.
UTA shot 35.5 percent from the field, cashing in on 22-of-62 field goals. The Mavericks made 19-of-23 from the foul line and had 15 assists and 12 steals.
Ole Miss will return to the court in the consolation game of the tournament. They will face Fordham. Tip-off is slated for 5 p.m. at Fogelman Arena.
