>>12.22.05
Win Streak Snapped; But Comets Hit Jackpot In Final Las Vegas Game
Millsaps (AR) 64, UTD 54
UTD 90, Muskingum (OH) 55

LAS VEGAS, NV - The University of Texas at Dallas saw its bid for topping the longest win streak in program history snapped, but bounced back in the consolation game of the D3 Desert Shootout to remain above .500.

UTD shot just 26 percent on Wednesday, to stumble under the pressure of Millsaps (AR), 64-54. But the Comets gained some salvation on Thursday, running away and leaving Muskingum College (OH) behind in a 90-55 rout.

In the tournament opener against Millsaps, Cassi Little (right) had 17 points and pulled down 7 rebounds; but the Comets let the Lady Majors (5-3) get away from them after both teams struggled offensively in the first half.

UTD held a slim 22-20 halftime advantage, but Millsaps got the ball rolling after halftime. The two teams were tied for the last time, 27-27, with 17:30 to go in the game. Millsaps went on the first of two second-half 9-2 runs to stretch the lead out to 36-29 with 13:20 remaining. After UTD cut the lead back down to two at 37-35, Millsaps had another similar run and was up 46-35 with 7:54 to go. UTD, which shot just 26 percent in the game, never got closer than six points again. Danielle Barnett and Jennifer Longoria (pictured below) both had nine points, but were a combined 5-of-26 from the field. MILLSAPS BOXSCORE

The Comets responded from the disappointing by charging out of the game against Muskingum (2-8). UTD bound out to a 53-19 lead, and were still up 53-22 at halftime after Muskingum nailed a three-point shot just before the buzzer. In the second half, UTD stretched its lead out to as many as 44 points (76-32) to collect the comfortable win.

Barnett (far left) rebounded from her opening day slump with a 25-point afternoon. Longoria (near left) did likewise, nailing six three-point shots on her way to 24 points. Coach Polly Thomason was able to empty the benches early as all 14 players on the roster got significant playing time, and all 14 ended up contributing in the scoring column. MUSKINGUM BOXSCORE

UTD (5-4) is now off for the holidays and will resume American Southwest Conference play on Thursday, Jan. 5, on the road in Brownwood, TX against ASC West power Howard Payne with a game to follow Saturday, Jan. 7, at Sul Ross State University in Alpine.