Patriots Win Tight One With Schreiner
November 27, 2006
Stats -- Broadcast

The University of Texas at Tyler trailed at halftime, but fought back against Schreiner with a second-half press that erased an eight-point deficit in less than three minutes, and kept the Patriots perfect, 79-62.

The Patriots (3-0. 2-0 ASC) stumbled early, trailing for more than half of the game before a 22-7 second half run gave them the lead to stay. Schreiner would fight back to tie the game twice, but UT Tyler would never surrender the lead in a strong second-half defensive performance.

“This was one of those nights we always dread but we know they’re coming, when we just can’t score and we’ve got to rely on defense,” coach Terri Deike admits. The Patriots had 21 steals and forced 31 turnovers from the visiting Mountaineers.

The Patriots were led in scoring by Sarah Stanley (SR/Rockwall, TX) with 17 points and Kasey Buggs (JR/Corinth, TX), who was held scoreless in the first half but responded with a monster 17-point second half.

“When she scores, it’s just a pure shot, not much backboard,” Deike said of her post player. “I told her though, you’ve got to go get somebody, you just can’t turn around tonight and expect it to go in. In the second half, she got more physical.”

LaKeisha Grant (SR/Marshall, TX) also had a strong night in the post, with a season-high 15 points for her, five boards, and three blocks.

“She has such a long reach that she can help us out, and get to passes that no one else can with that wingspan. She came through big tonight.”

Sha Shead (SR/LaRue, TX) had 12 points and 9 rebounds for the Patriots.

Schreiner’s Monica Enriquez, who torched UT Tyler for 31 last season, was held scoreless from the field until a desperation three-pointer at the buzzer. She finished with 11 points and 7 turnovers.

The Patriots next game will be on the road at Mary Hardin-Baylor Thursday night at 7:30. That game will be broadcast live on the UT Tyler Sports Network.

Reid Kerr can be reached at rkerr@uttyler.edu.

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