MARTIN,
Tenn. (11/12/12) – After trailing by just one at halftime, Arkansas State fell
victim to a slow start in the second half in a 72-62 loss to UT-Martin in a
non-conference matchup at Skyhawk Arena on Monday night.
The
Skyhawks led by as many 14 in the second half, but the Red Wolves (0-2) cut the
lead to 63-59 with 2:49 left in the game after going on an 8-0 run, but ASU
could get no closer.
UT-Martin
(1-1) pushed the lead back to six on a layup by Shelby Crawford and Jessica
Newsome made it an eight-point game after knocking down two free throws with
1:06 left in the game. The Skyhawks went 7-8 from the free throw line in the
game's final minute to help close out the victory.
“We
chipped our way back into it and got it down to four with ball and didn't
score,” ASU head coach Brian Boyer said. “We just got to keep working at this
and we are just trying to do some different things offensively. It seems like
every possession we are frustrated at something and that is something we have
got to change pretty quick.”
ASU
was led by junior college transfer Carlisha Wyatt who poured in 19 points and
went 9-for-11 from the field. Wyatt went 5-for-5 from the field in the first
half and paced the A-State bench which had 29 points on the night.
ASU
found early success working the ball inside to its post players. Morrill scored
eight points in the first half as the Red Wolves outscored the Skyhawks 20-14
in the paint.
ASU
and UT-Martin battled for much of the first half, which saw the lead change
nine times. Wyatt gave ASU a 26-24 edge in the half when she converted on an
and-1 play with 4:52 left in the half. Olvera gave ASU its final lead of the
game with 1:33 left in the first half on a fast break layup, but ASU struggled
to keep pace with UT-Martin until late in the game.
The
Red Wolves were plagued by turnovers for the second straight game and committed
19 on the night, which the Skyhawks converted into 14 points.
ASU
shot 45 percent from the field on the night and won the rebounding battle
35-31.
Morrill
finished with 15 points and eight rebounds on the night, while Ashley Olvera
scored 12 points and dished out seven assists.
ASU
will return to the court Thursday, Nov. 15 for its home opener against Wichita
State. Tipoff is set for 7:05 p.m.
