UMKC downs Techsters with 3-point barrage

Kansas City, Missouri – After missing 16 of its first 17 three-pointers, UMKC caught fire in the final 15 minutes of action as the Kangaroos connected on eight shots from beyond the arc over the final quarter and a half to rally for an 80-70 win over Louisiana Tech Friday at Swinney Recreation Center.

UMKC’s effort spoiled another impressive offensive performance by Tech senior guard Kierra Anthony, who poured in 38 points in the loss.

Anthony, who is now averaging 24.7 points per game through 12 contests, hit 12-of-28 field goals, 2-of-7 three-pointers and 12-of-13 free throws while adding six assists, four assists and one steal in 39 minutes. Anthony saw a string of 35 straight made free throws snapped with 2:11 to play in the fourth quarter.

Tech led 36-35 at halftime and pushed the advantage out to 49-39 on third quarter three-pointers by Taylor Stahly and Raizel Guinto. A Zhanae Whitney layup with 5:21 to play in the quarter gave Tech the 10-point lead.

However, Kristen Moore hit a three-pointer for UMKC and Emily Ivory followed with three more trifecta’s, including a desperation one that banked in at the end of the quarter, tying the game at 56-56. Ivory started the fourth quarter where she left off, hitting another three-pointer as UMKC made 8 of its final 10 three-point attempts.

The Kangaroos scored the first 10 points of the final quarter as Cristina Soriano’s layup with 6:42 to play in the frame gave UMKC a 66-56 lead. After Daria McCutcheon hit a jumper to stop the run, UMKC then scored the next six points, including a Taylor Larson three-pointer to push the advantage to 72-58.

Tech would get no closer than eight points.

Whitney added 10 points and six rebounds for Tech while Grayson Bright led the way with nine rebounds.

Ericka Mattingly led UMKC with 29 points, 9 assists and 6 rebounds while Ivory added 15 points and Larson scored 12.