Paul Quinn's Season Opener and Homecoming Ends in Hard-Fought Loss to UT Dallas

First Quarter: A Strong Start

The Paul Quinn Tigers came out with energy, establishing a 13-6 lead by the end of the first quarter. With effective ball movement and efficient defense, Paul Quinn controlled the pace early, keeping UT Dallas to just six points in the quarter. Forward Zaire Brown made a strong impact, driving to the basket and finding open teammates, setting the tone for what looked to be a promising game.

Second Quarter: UT Dallas Responds

The second quarter saw UT Dallas rally, outscoring Paul Quinn 20-10. The Tigers struggled to connect on their three-point shots, going 1-for-4 from beyond the arc, while UT Dallas found success in the paint and took advantage of turnovers, scoring 11 points off Tiger mistakes by halftime. Jayla Lewis led the way for UT Dallas, tallying eight points in the half, as they surged to a narrow lead, entering halftime up 26-23.

Second Half: A Tight Battle

Both teams played evenly through the third quarter, each scoring 16 points. Brown continued to shine for Paul Quinn, finishing with 15 points, eight rebounds, and five assists. However, UT Dallas capitalized on second-chance opportunities and bench contributions. Alex Bowman came off the bench to score 17 points, hitting a critical three-pointer to give the visitors a lead they would hold onto.

The fourth quarter saw Paul Quinn inching closer but unable to overcome their deficit. Key plays from guard Canai McPherson, who finished with a game-high 18 points, including a crucial three-pointer late in the game, gave the Tigers hope. But UT Dallas's defense held strong, and their disciplined free-throw shooting (22-for-31) helped them seal the game. On the other hand, Paul Quinn struggled from the free-throw line, making only 48% of their attempts, which proved to be a costly difference.

Notable Performances

Paul Quinn had standout efforts from McPherson, who added six rebounds to her 18 points, and Brown, whose all-around performance kept the Tigers competitive. However, turnovers were a recurring issue for Paul Quinn, with 23 total turnovers leading to 25 points for UT Dallas. The Tigers also struggled with bench production, contributing just seven points compared to UT Dallas's 32.

Looking Ahead

Despite the loss, Paul Quinn's season opener showcased a team with potential and strong individual performances. Improving free-throw shooting and cutting down on turnovers will be key focus areas as the season progresses.

With a packed gym and the support of Homecoming fans, Paul Quinn displayed resilience and tenacity, promising an exciting season ahead for the Tigers and their supporters.