BELTON, TX (12.07.17) - The UT Dallas women's basketball team was handed its first American Southwest Conference loss of the season Thursday night, falling 61-54 at Mary Hardin-Baylor.

After a low-scoring opening half, the Comets fell behind in the third frame as the host Cru outscored UTD, 23-13, in the quarter to take control of the contest.

Up 25-22 at the break, the Comets traded leads with UMHB three times early in the second half before the Cru took the lead for good, 31-30, on a jumper by Ashley Caldwell with 5:29 left in the third. The Cru would extend their lead to as many as eight points, 45-37, heading into the final stanza.

The Comets used back-to-back jumpers from freshmen Kelley Skinner and Raenett Hughes to open the fourth period and cut the UMHB lead in half, 45-41, with 8:09 remaining. After a Cru jumper on their next possession, Victoria Pena drew the Comets within three, 47-44, with a three-pointer with 7:03 on the clock, but UTD would not get any closer down the stretch.

INSIDE THE NUMBERS
The Comets dominated the boards, out-rebounding UMHB, 49-34, but could not over come 23.9 percent shooting from the field. The Comets were just 16-of-67 from the floor, hitting 7-of-26 three-pointers (26.9%).

KEY PERFORMERS
Pena recorded her third 'double-double' of the game with 11 points and 11 rebounds, adding three steals and a pair of assists. McKenzie Petty posted her first career 'double-double', tying Pena for the team lead with 11 points and a career-best 12 rebounds. Skinner finished with 10 points to round out the Comets in double figures.

NEXT GAME
The Comets (5-2, 2-1 ASC) will take 11 days off before returning to the hardwood. UTD wil host Hardin-Simmons on Monday, Dec. 18, at 5:30 p.m. at the UTD Activity Center.