By Jerry Briggs
Special for The JB Replay
Sophomore forward Mia Hammonds scored a game-high 24 points Saturday as the new-look UTSA women’s basketball team stormed to a 106-51 exhibition victory over the NAIA Texas A&M-San Antonio Jaguars.
UTSA is opening a new era in women’s basketball, playing without Jordyn Jenkins, a two-time conference player of the year. Jenkins played out her eligibility after last season, when the Roadrunners won a conference title and constructed a 26-5 record.
“Hard to believe it’s already basketball season,” UTSA coach Karen Aston said. “It came pretty fast for us. We were really looking forward to playing in a game today … In my opinion, we’re kind of a blank canvas. I think we’ll kind of make our own path.
“It’ll be different than last year. I’m looking forward to seeing how they grow.”
Third quarter
With the UTSA defense continuing to pressure A&M-San Antonio into mistakes and missed shots, the Roadrunners rolled 25-10 in the quarter behind sophomore center Emilia Dannebauer’s seven points.
UTSA, limiting the visiting team to 25 percent shooting for the game, took an 81-41 lead into the fourth period. It was the game’s largest lead. The Roadrunners were shooting 37.1 percent through three periods.
Halftime
UTSA sophomore wing Mia Hammonds came alive with 12 points in the second quarter as the Roadrunners expanded their lead to as many as 29. They went into the dressing room at intermission leading 56-31.
Jayda Holiman hit a three-pointer off the wing and Idara Udo muscled inside for a layup to cap a decisive 22-2 run late in the quarter.
First quarter
The Jaguars jumped out to a 7-1 lead in the opening two minutes, only to see the Roadrunners retaliate. By the end of the period, the Roadrunners had pushed out in front, 25-18, behind six points each from senior Cheyenne Rowe and freshman Adriana Robles.
The Roadrunners started the game with Ereauna Hardaway at point guard. Damara Allen and Mia Hammonds played on the wings, with Cheyenne Rowe and Idara Udo down low.
Pregame
The UTSA women are on the court, preparing to host the NAIA Texas A&M-San Antonio Jaguars at the Convocation Center. The game is part of the San Antonio Challenge, with the UTSA men set to host Incarnate Word later this afternoon.
Notable
UTSA had nine players dressed and warming up to play in the pre-game, including Emilia Dannebauer, Damara Allen, Mia Hammonds, Sanaa Bean, Jayda Holiman, Adriana Robles, Cheyenne Rowe, Idara Udo and Ereauna Hardaway.
Not dressed were Sema Udo, Siena Guttadauro, Saher Alizada, Nyayongah Gony, Taylor Ross and Maya Linton.
A&M-San Antonio established its athletic program in 2020. The Jaguars played their first season of men’s and women’s basketball last year. A&M-San Antonio women finished 18-12 and 14-10 in the Red River Athletic Conference. The Jags’ coach is Chris Minner.
Face in the crowd
Spurs guard De’Aaron Fox attended the game and sat in one of the courtside seats. He spent most of the intermission taking pictures with fans.