ABILENE, TX (11.30.20) - In its much-anticipated return to the hardwood, the UT Dallas women's basketball team had to power from behind in the second half to claim a 63-55 season-opening victory over Sul Ross State Monday afternoon on the campus of McMurry University.

All-American guard Raenett Hughes opened her senior campaign with a 'double-double' as she finished the comeback with 25 points and 12 rebounds while junior Sydney Brock was the only other Comet in double figures with 12 points. Senior Kelley Skinner nabbed a career-high 15 boards in the victory, moving into second place on the program's all-time rebounding list.

Both teams got off to rusty starts as the Comets held a slim 9-7 lead after the opening period, despite shooting just 3-of-17 from the field as a team. However, the Lobos responded with a big second frame, connecting on 5-of-8 three-pointers in the quarter to snag a 30-23 lead over UTD at the break.

SRSU would secure its largest lead of the game at the 8:38 mark of the third period as Vania Hampton capped a quick 7-1 run to extend the Lobos' advantage to 13 points, 37-24. The Comets then exploded on an 18-0 run over the next five minutes, getting 11 points from Hughes during the stretch, to regain the lead, 41-37, with just under four minutes left in the third.

The Comets' lead would hold until the final minute of the third when SRSU's Keona Loftis hit two free throws to knot the game, 44-44, heading to the final stanza.

UTD regained the lead on its first possession of the fourth on a three-point play by Hughes, but would not be able to put away from the Lobos until later in the period. SRSU grabbed one final lead, 50-48, with just over six minutes to play before the Comets made one final push to close out the win. UTD held its foe scoreless over the next four minutes and used a 10-0 run down the stretch to take control of the game and led 58-50 with just under two minutes left. UTD went 3-for-4 from the free-throw line in the final minute to complete the come-from-behind victory.

With Monday's 15 rebounds, Skinner moved past former Comet Micaela Gonzalez for the No. 2 spot on the program's career list. Now with 535 career boards, Skinner is currently 78 rebounds shy of the UTD record (613), set last season by Victoria  Pena.

The Comets were slated to face host McMurry on Tuesday, but that game has being canceled due to COVID-19. UTD returns to action with an exhibition at Stephen F. Austin at 2 p.m. Saturday.