UTSA’s Jayda Holiman reached double figures in scoring twice last week leading into tonight’s test at home against the UNLV Lady Rebels. – File photo by Joe Alexander

By Jerry Briggs
Special for The JB Replay

UTSA junior Jayda Holiman has emerged as a dangerous three-point shooting threat going into the second month of the season.

Along with Damara Allen, the 5-foot-7 newcomer is a player that the UTSA women are counting on to loosen up zone defenses and take pressure off forwards Cheyenne Rowe and Idara Udo.

As a transfer from UT Rio Grande Valley who initially struggled with the transition to a new program, Holiman is catching on fast.

Last week, she scored in double figures in both games at the Hoopfest Women’s Basketball Challenge in Frisco.

She had 14 points off the bench in a loss to Auburn and 12 in a stirring, one-point victory over Grand Canyon (Ariz.)

In the two games, she hit five of 12 from beyond the arc, including a three that sparked UTSA’s rally to a 65-64 victory over the Lopes.

Her inspired play has come to the forefront at just the right time as the Roadrunners prepare for two challenges this week.

The first is a home game tonight against the UNLV Lady Rebels, followed by a road test Sunday at 14th-ranked Baylor

Fifth-year UTSA coach Karen Aston said she has always admired Holiman’s work ethic.

“You’re talking about a transfer that’s on a fast track,” the coach said. “You know, she only has a couple of years left (in college).

“Her buy in has been really important because she came here learning a new system and a new way of doing things and, quite honestly, was frustrated in the beginning because it was hard, and it was something different for her.

“She just rolled her sleeves up. She’s gone to work. She daily has gotten better and better, and she’s being rewarded right now for that.”

In the victory over Grand Canyon, Holiman started for the first time as a Roadrunner and had 12 points and eight rebounds.

She knocked down four threes, including one that started the late rally. Also during the late stretch, the 5-7 guard had a steal and an offensive rebound.

Holiman acknowledged Tuesday that it was a big moment for her.

“It was wanting to win and having that effort and wanting to see a success,” she said. “You know, we came back from a loss to Auburn, and we wanted to win that game.

“It was more like, (I) did it for the team and … like, ‘Let’s get rolling. It’s time to win.’ ”

Aston said Holiman’s best is yet to come.

“I think there’s a lot that’s in front of her now,” the coach said. “We talk about it all the time, how you just have to keep buying into the process and, she may not really see the light until next year. But I like where she is right now and I’m really proud of her progress.”

Records

UNLV 4-3
UTSA 3-3

Coming up

UNLV at UTSA, Wednesday, 7 p.m.
UTSA at Baylor, Sunday, 2 p.m.