MARSHALL, TX (01.21.16) - A game-winning three-pointer clanged off back iron as the UT Dallas women's basketball team dropped a 59-56 decision at East Texas Baptist Thursday night in American Southwest Conference East Division play.

The Comets (now 9-7, 3-5 ASC) drew within two points in the final seconds of the contest and after a ETBU turnover, senior Jasmine Lopez' game-winning long ball was just a hair long as the Tigers corralled the rebound and added an insurance free throw with one second remaining.

Madison Steele led the Comets with 20 points, hitting 6-of-14 field goals and 8-of-10 free throws, while adding four rebounds and a pair of assists. Micaela Gonzalez finished with 12 points and 10 rebounds for her sixth "double-double" of the season.

With the game tied 38-38 heading into the fourth period, the host Tigers took control of the game and pulled away by seven points, 52-45, with 3:13 left to play after a Taylee Alexander lay up. The Comets would use a 7-2 run to draw within two points, 54-52, with just under two minutes to play. ETBU extended its lead back to four points twice down the stretch before Gonzalez cut the deficit back to two points, 58-56, on a put back of a Lopez three-pointer.

On the Tigers' next possession, April Leonard stepped out of bounds after receiving the inbounds pass, setting up Lopez' potential game-winner.

ETBU jumped out to a 20-12 lead after the first frame, but after the Comets rallied with 10-2 advantage in the second period, the two teams entered the break, 22-22.

The Comets finished the night shooting 36.4 percent (20-of-55) from the field, hitting just 3-of-21 three-pointers (14.3%), and shot 72.2 percent (13-of-18) from the foul line.

For ETBU (now 12-4, 5-2 ASC), Lauren Lee led four Tigers in double figures with 16 points while Alexander had 15 points and 10 rebounds. The Tigers shot 39.3 percent (22-of-56) form the field, hitting 7-of-15 three-pointers (46.7%), while shooting 61.5 percent (8-of-13) from the line.
 
The Comets return to action Saturday afternoon as they visit Louisiana College. Game time is 1 p.m. in Pineville, La.