A fourth-quarter surge propelled UTSA women’s basketball to a 67-58 comeback victory over Rice University on Wednesday Jan. 8 at the Convocation Center.
Behind clutch performances from senior forward Jordyn Jenkins and graduate guard Nina De Leon Negron, UTSA (13-2, 4-0 AAC) earned their sixth home win of the season. Rice (8-7, 1-2 AAC) controlled much of the game with stifling defense and efficient scoring, but the Roadrunners’ defense and timely scoring in the fourth quarter proved decisive.
Rice dictated the opening quarter, jumping to a 6-0 lead as forward Malia Fisher scored on a floater and added free throws. UTSA struggled offensively, missing its first five shots and scoring its first points on Jenkins’ free throws four minutes into the game. Freshman forward Taylor Ross ended the Roadrunners’ field goal drought with a putback layup midway through the quarter. Despite shooting just 25% from the field, UTSA’s defense held Rice to 33% shooting, limiting the deficit to 17-13 at the end of the quarter.
“You’re going to have nights like tonight where shots were rushed, not falling or not the best shots we could take,” coach Karen Aston said. “To be able to buckle down and do what you need to do defensively sometimes is the only way you’re gonna win.”
The second quarter saw a gradual improvement for UTSA. De Leon Negron provided a spark with a three-pointer and a fast-break layup, while Jenkins hit a turnaround jumper to cut the lead to 22-20. Sophomore forward Idara Udo anchored the defense with four blocks, helping the Roadrunners stay within striking distance. On the other end, Rice center Sussy Ngulefac and Fisher combined for 16 first-half points, with Ngulefac dominating the boards. A buzzer-beating floater by Rice guard Dominique Ennis extended the Owls’ lead to 36-31 at halftime.
After halftime, UTSA’s offensive struggles continued. Jenkins opened the third quarter with three free throws, but the Roadrunners shot just 19% from the field in the period. De Leon Negron again attempted to flip the switch with a steal and fast-break layup, cutting the deficit to five points. However, Rice capitalized on transition opportunities, with Fisher adding two fast-break layups. The Owls maintained their lead, and despite only shooting 5-15, ended the quarter up 47-41 as the Roadrunners struggled to overcome their shooting slump.
In the final period, UTSA came alive. Freshman guard Damara Allen and Ross scored early baskets, sparking a 7-0 run that gave the Roadrunners their first lead at 54-53. The team’s defense intensified, forcing turnovers and holding Rice to just nine points in the quarter. De Leon Negron’s four consecutive points extended the lead to 62-58, followed by an and-one layup from Jenkins to push the advantage to six. Junior guard Maya Linton sealed the victory with a three-pointer, capping a dominant 24-9 quarter in which the Roadrunners shot 10-15 from the field.
“Jordy and Idara do a really good job screening opposing players so I can get layups,” De Leon Negron said. “That was a big factor I never experienced my whole career so I give them all the credit.”
Jenkins led UTSA with 21 points and 14 rebounds, while De Leon Negron tallied 19 points, eight rebounds and five assists. Allen scored all seven of her points in the final period, and Udo recorded five blocks to anchor the Roadrunners’ defensive effort.
English
Spanish