A late-game offensive run propelled UTSA past Temple University 70-61 on Saturday at the Convocation Center.
The Roadrunners (18-3, 9-1 AAC) were led by their senior forward Jordyn Jenkins and sophomore forward Idara Udo, who combined for 31 of the team’s 70 points. Despite being down by 14 points in the third quarter, the team managed to string together numerous key plays late in the fourth to defeat the Owls (12-9, 6-4). The victory marked UTSA’s ninth conference win and extended its undefeated home streak to nine games.
“It’s pretty remarkable; I’m pretty proud of everyone that’s involved in the program,” coach Karen Aston said after the game. “I think this is a really big win. It’s hard sometimes to not let one [loss] turn into two.”
Preparing for the second half of play, UTSA found itself down 14 points due to a 16-point first half performance from Owl guard Tarriyona Gary. The team quickly cut the deficit thanks to an elite third-quarter performance from Jenkins, who hit a crucial late-quarter three to bring the game within single digits.
Entering the fourth quarter facing a nine-point deficit, the Roadrunners put together an incredible 11-0 scoring run to tie the game at 53 with six minutes left. The run was fueled by a collection of key defensive stops, which led to wide open transition buckets for UTSA. Hitting the game-tying three at the six minute mark, Udo and graduate guard Nina De Leon Negron electrified the crowd as the Owls called a timeout.
“I think that it’s everything for me and our team as well,” Udo said of the home crowd. “Just hearing and seeing the crowd, I think that motivates us more to play harder.”
Despite the Owls countering with a three of their own, junior forward Cheyenne Rowe nailed a step-back three with mere seconds left on the shot clock to once again tie the ball game.
After a quick timeout, Udo stepped to the free throw line and sank both shots to put the ‘Runners up by two. UTSA remained relentless in its defensive pressure, creating two straight turnovers which led to a quick 4-point swing. With no choice but to foul, the Owls were forced to send the Roadrunners to the free throw line, where they knocked down eight of nine to seal the victory.
The Roadrunners found themselves battling from behind for nearly the entire first half.
Despite finding open looks, the Roadrunners struggled collectively, shooting just 28% from the floor and missing all their attempts from beyond the arc. The team found offensive solace within Udo, who quickly scored six of the team’s 24 points to keep them within the game. Unable to score in the last four minutes of the quarter, UTSA went into halftime trailing the Owls 36-24.
UTSA will take on the University of North Texas at 6:30 p.m Tuesday at the Convocation Center.
