WICHITA STATE ATHLETIC COMMUNICATIONS
WICHITA, Kan. – Wichita State women's basketball couldn't overcome a blazing hot-shooting UAB squad Saturday afternoon, falling 83-65 inside Charles Koch Arena.
The Shockers (5-17, 2-7 American) saw four players score in double figures, led by Abby Cater, who finished with 13 points and three rebounds. Taya Davis contributed a season-high 11 points, seven rebounds, seven assists and two steals. Jaida McDonald added 10 points with four rebounds, while Treasure Thompson chipped in 12 points and six boards.
UAB (8-13, 1-8 American) caught fire from long range and never cooled off, shooting 54.5 percent from beyond the arc. The Blazers were led by Cali Smallwood, who poured in a game-high 25 points, including seven three-pointers, and Molly Moffitt, who added 10 points and seven rebounds. Sofia Munoz contributed an efficient 14 points on 6-of-9 shooting, and Monae' Duffy scored nine points and grabbed a game-high 16 rebounds.
Wichita State stayed close early, trailing just 19-18 after the first quarter, thanks to early scoring from Davis and Thompson. UAB began to create separation in the second period, building a double-digit advantage and carrying a 44-33 lead into halftime after shooting nearly 70 percent in the second frame.
Despite a quick start from McDonald and Thompson after the break, UAB continued to stretch the lead, outscoring the Shockers 25-17 in the third period. Wichita State forced several second-chance opportunities but struggled to convert from three-point range, hitting just 4-of-17 from beyond the arc for the game.
Inside, Wichita State held a narrow 38-30 advantage in points in the paint and outscored UAB 14-12 on second-chance points, but the visitors' perimeter efficiency proved decisive.
The Shockers return to action on Tuesday, Feb. 3 at 6 p.m. in Charles Koch Arena for their National Girls and Women in Sports Day game.