Senior forward Jordyn Jenkins’ 23 points powered UTSA to a 90-38 victory over cross-town rival St. Mary’s University on Friday at the Convocation Center.
In the Roadrunners’ first action of the season, they put together an all-around performance, stymieing the Rattlers offense and overpowering their defense. The ‘Runners returned vital players such as Jenkins and showcased freshman like Taylor Ross in the exhibition win.
The Roadrunners established their dominance right from the opening possession, securing three offensive rebounds before Jenkins took over and scored the team’s first eight points. UTSA’s defense was stifling, forcing St. Mary’s to score just three points over the first four minutes and made it difficult for the Rattlers to bring the ball up the court. The ‘Runners forced turnovers and drew multiple fouls, which contributed to their early 13-3 lead. Jenkins finished with 13 points in the quarter, while newcomer senior forward Nyayongah Gony added seven. The ‘Runners closed the period ahead 26-11.
“To be able to put pressure on the other team and have them think about having to handle the ball 94 feet,” coach Karen Aston said. “I love teams that can do that and we haven’t had that here until this year.”
Both teams struggled to find an offensive rhythm early in the second quarter. The Roadrunners scored just six points in the first five minutes, while the Rattlers managed seven. Despite the scoring lull, UTSA’s backups maintained their defensive intensity. St. Mary’s committed an eight-second violation and fought to get clean looks at the basket. As the half wound down, the Roadrunners reignited their offensive spark with fast-break layups from junior guard Alexis Parker and sophomore guard Emma Lucio, ending the quarter on an 11-3 run. The ‘Runners took a commanding 43-21 lead into halftime.
In the third quarter, UTSA ramped up its defensive pressure. The Roadrunners forced back-to-back turnovers, leading to consecutive fast-break layups from Jenkins, who opened the quarter with six straight points, increasing her game total to 21. Junior forward Cheyenne Rowe took over in the third quarter, scoring 13 of her 17 points in the second half.
Graduate guard Nina De Leon Negron also established a strong connection with Jenkins and contributed to multiple scoring plays. Gony continued her impressive debut as well, sinking a three-pointer to reach double digits and help extend UTSA’s lead. By the end of the third, the Roadrunners had gone on a 23-3 run and held the Rattlers to just nine points in the quarter, leading 66-30.
“I definitely think I’m more confident this season,” Rowe said. “Now I’m making opportunities for myself instead of getting lucky and having them come to me.”
Rowe continued to impress in the final quarter, draining a three-pointer that stretched UTSA’s lead to 69-30. However, it was Ross who took center stage, recording a double-double with 15 points and 10 rebounds in her first collegiate game. Ross displayed hustle on both ends by driving to the basket, cleaning up offensive boards and making key defensive plays. UTSA showed plenty of defensive versatility, forcing 29 turnovers and outrebounding St. Mary’s 44-24.
“I am excited about what we can do with this group,” Aston said. “There’s many different combinations we can put out there. I’m excited about what the young player’s careers can be like if they buy into the process.”
UTSA will officially begin the season on the road against the Texas A&M Aggies at 11 a.m. Thursday at the Reed Arena in College Station, Texas.
