TYLER, TEXAS - UT Tyler celebrated Senior Day on Saturday afternoon with a 62-43 win over Texas A&M International inside the Herrington Patriot Center.

The first quarter began with UT Tyler taking an early lead with Ella Bradley scoring a layup assisted by Lovisa Hevinder and followed with two more consecutive layups by Hevinder, establishing a 6-0 lead. The Patriots maintained momentum with Meagan Mendazona including a layup off a fast break after a steal, pushing the score to 13-2. Texas A&M International made attempts to close the gap, but the home team's Mileina Sablinskaite's free throws and a 3-pointer extended the Patriots lead lead. The Patriots closed the quarter ahead, 20-11, aided by strong defensive plays and efficient scoring from within the paint.

In the second quarter, both the Patriots and Texas A&M International scored 11 points as the Patriots retained that nine point lead through the first 20 minutes. Enisa Kamerolli connected on a pair of fastbreak layups on back-to-back possessions for the Patriots, and both Shaylee McDonald and Mendazona added points to close out the period. On the defensive side, the Patriots held the Dustdevils to just 20% shooting in the period, allowing just four made shots.

In the third quarter, the Patriots outscored the Dustdevils 10-8 as both teams continued their slow offensive output. Tianna Knighton made a layup on a fast break at 5:20, extending the Patriots lead to 33-24. KK Bass buried a pair of three pointers in the final two minutes, helping the Patriots maintain their advantage. Despite a late push from the Dustdevils, including a layup and free throw, the Patriots maintained control with effective defensive rebounds and timely scoring.

In the fourth quarter, the Patriots outscored the Dustdevils 21-13, securing a decisive win. The home team started strong with Enisa Kamerolli's layup to begin the frame. However, the Patriots consistent scoring, including a series of layups by Bass and Mariah Neal, helped maintain their advantage. In the final frame, the Patriots held the Dustdevils to just 5-for-14 shooting and allowed just one made three pointer on their way to the big win. 

Meagan Mendazona scored 10 points, shooting 3 of 7 from the field and a perfect 4 for 4 from the free-throw line. She also led the team in blocks with two and added six rebounds. KK Bass was the top scorer, netting 12 points, including two 3-pointers, and secured seven rebounds. Lovisa Hevinder provided playmaking strength with a team-high six assists while also contributing eight points and seven rebounds. Ella Bradley showcased her defensive skills with two blocks, matching Mendazona's team-high, and added seven points. Polina Latysheva was crucial on defense, leading the team with two steals and scoring five points.

#6/6 UT Tyler will now head out on a three game road trip to close out the 2024-25 regular season. That road trip begins on Thursday as they take on UT Permian Basin.