Box Score SHERMAN, TX (12.18.08) - After 12 days off since the big win over defending national champion Howard Payne and a few final exams sprinkled in for good measure, the UT Dallas women's basketball team had a lot of rust to shake off when it returned to the court Thursday night against Austin College.

Fortunately for the Comets, they were able to take care of business long enough to hold off  the Kangaroos and finish up the pre-holiday schedule at 7-1 after posting a hard-earned 65-58 win.

This one was not easy, though. The 'Roos never led, but kept the pressure on UTD all night long, never letting the Comets get more than a single-digit lead. UTD then hit eight free throws in the game's final 1:44 to hold off another late AC challenge.

The Kangaroos, who were sparked by post Katy Williams' 21-point game, got to within three or fewer points six times in the game, the final coming with 7:03 left (45-42). UTD, though, countered with a quick 8-2 spurt to get the lead back out to nine (53-44) with 4:56 left and AC was forced to foul to try to win the game at the line.

Freshman Lyndsey Smith topped all UTD scorers with a season-high 19-point night, adding seven rebounds. Lauren Hale was the only other Comet in double figures with 12 points. Leading scorer Chelsea Edwards was held to eight points after missing her first nine shots from the field.

The Comets are off for another 10 days before traveling to San Marcos on Dec. 30 to face Division I Texas State. UTD returns to American Southwest Conference action on Jan. 3 in Abilene against ASC West leader McMurry.

BOXSCORE