Paul Quinn Falls Short to UT Dallas In Back-and-Forth Battle

The Tigers (6–3) traded punches with the Comets (3–3) all night in a nonconference matchup that featured 12 ties and eight lead changes. Paul Quinn trailed 38–35 at halftime and used an 18–15 third quarter to pull even at 53 after three, setting up a back-and-forth final period.

Sams led the way for Paul Quinn, shooting 6 of 14 from the field, 2 of 5 from 3-point range, and 6 of 8 at the foul line. The junior guard added eight rebounds, two steals, and several timely buckets, including a jumper that gave the Tigers a 57–55 lead early in the fourth.

Cierra Taylor backed her with 14 points, four rebounds, three assists, and a team-high five steals, repeatedly sparking the Tigers in transition. Tamia Dolls added 13 points and eight rebounds, while forward Zaire Brown posted nine points and eight boards, hitting 7 of 8 free throws to keep Paul Quinn close in the second half.

Despite being outshot 38.0 percent to 31.3 percent from the field, the Tigers stayed in the game with their work on the glass and at the line. Paul Quinn outrebounded Texas-Dallas 49–44, including 18 offensive rebounds, and finished 24 of 32 (75.0 percent) at the stripe.

UT-Dallas answered with a balanced attack. Addy Self recorded 17 points and 12 rebounds, and Anna Yellen and Umi Otsuka scored 14 and 10 points, respectively, combining for 10 assists. Sheridan Kavanagh added 10 points, including a key 3-pointer that pushed the Comets ahead 73–68 with 1:45 remaining.

Taylor's driving layup cut the deficit to 73–72 with 43 seconds left, giving Paul Quinn a final chance after a defensive stop. But the Tigers came up empty on a late drive, and Self answered with a fast-break layup with six seconds to play to seal it for the Comets.

For Paul Quinn, the opener showcased a resilient effort and a standout performance from Sams, whose scoring, rebounding, and late-game shot-making kept the Tigers within one possession until the final buzzer.