The Celts took to the road this weekend splitting the trip and getting their first Red River Conference victory today against the University of the Southwest Mustangs. UST women's basketball team goes into the Christmas break, 1-2 in conference and 3-5 for the season.
Thursday Dec. 13th, San Antonio, TX – The University of St. Thomas women's basketball team faced the number 12th ranked team in the nation, Our Lady of the Lake and dropped their second conference game, 114-69.
Our Lady of the Lake took control early in the first quarter and never looked back. When the Celts broke the pressure and had opportunities they were able to capitalize but the Saints defense controlled the game forcing the Celts into 29 turnovers.
The Celts shot 21-of-54 from the field for 38.9 percent, 4-of-14 from beyond the arc for 28.6 percent and 23-of-31 from the free-throw line for 74.2 percent.
Alexya Castillo (FR/Cypress, TX) led the Celts scoring 11 points while Sheridan Hopkins (JR/Galveston, TX) and Zariah McInnis (SO/Richmond, TX) scored 10 points each. Zariah shot 100% from the field making 4 of 4 on the night. Sydney Hayes (JR/Houston, TX) contributed 9 points, while Aerial Starks (FR/Houston, TX) and Bresha Orange (SR/Longview, TX) scored 8 points each.
Saturday Dec. 15th, Hobbs, NM – The Celts got their first Red River conference game victory against the University of the Southwest, 75-58.
The University of St. Thomas got the jump on the Mustangs taking the first quarter 25-8. Active defense and execution on offense gave the Celts the edge. The Celts took control and never trailed in the game. Their largest lead was 22 points with 6 minutes left in the 3rd quarter.
UST shot 27-of-69 from the field for 39.1 percent, 7-of-24 from beyond the arc for 29.2 percent and 14-of-22 from the free-throw line for 63.6 percent.
Sheridan Hopkins led the Celts with a double double scoring 28 points and pulling down 11 rebounds. This was the fifth time this season the junior from Galveston, Texas has scored over 20 points. She was assisted by Zariah McInnis who scored 10 points, marking the second straight game she's reached double figures and the fourth time this season. She also had 6 rebounds and 5 assists. Sydney Hayes had 9 points, 5 assists and 4 steals, while Bresha Orange pulled down 11 rebounds and scored 7 points.
This was the last game before the Christmas break. The Celts will return to action on December 28th at the JAAC in the Celts "Hampton Inn" Classic. Action will begin at 1pm with Philander Smith College playing Southwestern Assemblies of God University at 1pm and the Celts match up with Goshen College at 3pm.
