ELLENSBURG, WASH. – UT Tyler women's basketball closed out the DII Tip-Off Classic with a second-half push against receiving-votes Central Washington, but an early deficit proved too much to overcome as the Patriots fell 71-58 Sunday afternoon at Nicholson Arena.
The Patriots outscored the Wildcats 39-36 over the final 20 minutes, including a 23-point fourth quarter. Hayley Cumming led UT Tyler with 20 points, while Polina Latysheva added 14 points and eight rebounds. Jadyn Middleton finished with 12 points, four assists and three steals.
Central Washington established control early, scoring inside on its opening possessions to build a 6-2 advantage. Middleton connected from the corner to bring the Patriots closer, but the Wildcats continued to find success around the basket and extended their lead to double digits.
UT Tyler answered with a 6-0 run as Edit Merivirta scored inside before Cumming added a layup and converted two free throws. The stretch brought the Patriots within four, but Central Washington responded with three consecutive baskets to close the first quarter with a 21-11 lead. The Wildcats shot 10-for-16 from the field in the opening period.
Middleton opened the second quarter with a three-pointer, but Central Washington continued to build its advantage. Georgia Tomkins added a basket inside, but the Wildcats answered with another scoring run. After a three-pointer extended the lead to 31-17, Central Washington added four free throws to close an 11-0 run and take an 18-point advantage.
Jorja Hart ended a lengthy scoring drought for the Patriots with a layup in the closing seconds, sending UT Tyler into halftime trailing 35-19. The Patriots shot 7-for-27 from the field in the first half, while Central Washington connected on 14 of its 25 attempts and held a 21-11 rebounding advantage.
UT Tyler came out of the break with renewed energy. Cumming opened the second-half scoring with a three-pointer, and Tomkins followed with a basket inside after a steal. Latysheva then created another opportunity with a steal, pushing the ball ahead to Cumming, who found Middleton for a transition layup and an and-one opportunity. Middleton converted the free throw to cut the deficit to 13.
Central Washington answered with a three-pointer, but Cumming continued to attack the basket, adding another layup and a free throw. Latysheva and Middleton also contributed baskets as the Patriots worked to close the gap. The Wildcats maintained their advantage, however, and knocked down a three-pointer at the end of the third quarter to take a 54-35 lead.
The Patriots saved their strongest offensive stretch for the fourth quarter. Latysheva opened the period with a jumper before Cumming and Tomkins added baskets. Cumming then knocked down a three-pointer to force a Central Washington timeout. Latysheva answered with another midrange jumper before connecting from beyond the arc.
Cumming added another three, and Latysheva followed with a third triple of the quarter after a steal by Cumming. The Patriots continued to battle, but Central Washington answered with timely baskets to keep its lead. Cumming connected on one more three-pointer late in the game, but the Wildcats held on for the 71-58 victory.
Cumming finished 6-for-11 from the field, including 4-for-7 from three-point range, and added four free throws. Latysheva recorded 14 points, eight rebounds and five assists, while Middleton contributed 12 points and four assists. UT Tyler finished 22-for-56 from the field and 8-for-21 from beyond the arc.
The Patriots finish the DII Tip-Off Classic with a 1-2 record and will return to action Nov. 13-14 at the South Central Region Challenge hosted by Lubbock Christian in Lubbock, Texas. UT Tyler will face Colorado Christian on Nov. 13 before taking on CSU Pueblo on Nov. 14.
