WILLIAMSBURG, Ky. – The UT Southern women's basketball team erased much of a 12-point second-half deficit and had a chance in the closing moments, but ultimately came up just short in its season opener, falling 60-58 to the University of the Cumberlands on Thursday evening in the opening game of the UC Patriot Classic.
The Firehawks opened the Greg Tipps era with a strong defensive effort and held the Patriots to just 32.3 percent shooting from the floor, but the hosts took advantage of 20 UT Southern turnovers and a decisive third quarter to escape with the victory.
Ramie Reid led the Firehawks with 20 points and eight rebounds, while Taya Totten added 13 points on 6-of-10 shooting. Abbilyn Teter recorded a team-high 10 rebounds and four assists, while Lauren Smith and Debrionna Jones each pulled down eight boards.
UT Southern got off to a strong start, building a 9-4 lead midway through the opening quarter after baskets from Reid, Smith, and Ansley Burleson. The Patriots responded with a late run and carried a 16-13 advantage into the second quarter.
The Firehawks battled through a difficult offensive second quarter, shooting just 2-for-14 from the field, but stayed within striking distance by getting to the free-throw line. Despite the shooting struggles, UT Southern trailed by only two at halftime, 28-26.
The momentum swung in the third quarter as the University of the Cumberlands outscored the Firehawks 21-14. A Patriot three-pointer in the closing seconds pushed the margin to 12 points before Burleson answered with a three of her own, sending UT Southern into the fourth quarter trailing 49-40.
Facing a nine-point deficit early in the final period, the Firehawks mounted a determined comeback. Totten sparked the rally with nine fourth-quarter points, while Reid added nine of her own in the period. The pair helped UT Southern trim the deficit to five with 2:22 remaining before Reid scored on a drive and later buried a three-pointer with 53 seconds left to make it a 60-58 game.
The Firehawks were not done fighting. After forcing a turnover with 17 seconds remaining, UT Southern created another opportunity, but the tying basket would not fall as the Patriots held on for the two-point victory.
UT Southern finished with a commanding 43-33 advantage on the glass and held the Patriots to just four made three-pointers. However, the turnover margin proved costly, as the hosts converted Firehawk miscues into 13 points and received 31 points from their bench.
By the Numbers
UT Southern returns to action Friday in the final game of the UC Patriot Classic against Alice Lloyd College.
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