LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – A furious second-half rally fell just short for the University of Tennessee at Martin women’s basketball team Thursday night, as they dropped a hard-fought contest against Little Rock, 65-57, at the Jack Stephens Center. The Skyhawks, despite being down by as many as 14 points in the third quarter, clawed their way back to within one point late in the fourth, but couldn’t overcome the Trojans’ strong finish. This outcome marks a challenging road loss for UT Martin as they navigate the final stretch of the regular season.
The game was a stark contrast of halves. UT Martin struggled to find its rhythm in the first 20 minutes, being outscored 29-18 although shooting just 28.6 percent from the field. Free throw shooting also proved problematic early, with the Skyhawks converting only one of five attempts. Though, the team demonstrated remarkable resilience after halftime, outscoring Little Rock 39-36 on a significantly improved 35.7 percent shooting performance. A key factor in the comeback was their efficiency at the free throw line, where they went an impressive 17-for-18.
Skyhawks Mount a Fourth-Quarter Charge
Little Rock maintained a comfortable lead for much of the game, extending their advantage to 14 points in the third quarter and entering the final period with a 47-37 lead. But UT Martin refused to concede. They opened the fourth quarter with a 9-3 run, fueled by aggressive drives and improved defensive pressure, narrowing the gap to just one point at 56-55 with exactly three minutes remaining on the clock. Despite the momentum shift, Little Rock responded with a decisive 9-2 run of their own, sealing the victory and preventing the Skyhawks from completing the comeback.
The Jack Stephens Center, a 149,000-square-foot arena that serves as the home court for the University of Arkansas at Little Rock Trojan basketball teams, provided a challenging environment for the visiting Skyhawks. The arena, with a seating capacity of 5,600, features amenities like leather chair back seating and a 90-foot scoreboard with a video board.
Ward Leads the Way with Double-Double Performance
Cam Ward delivered a standout performance for UT Martin, recording a career-high 15 points and 14 rebounds, securing her first double-double of the season. Brittani Wells also came close to a double-double, contributing 10 points and a career-best nine assists. Kenley McCarn added nine points and seven rebounds, while Sidni Middleton chipped in with eight points, showcasing a balanced scoring effort for the Skyhawks. The team’s ability to generate scoring from multiple players was evident, even in a losing effort.
Looking Ahead: A Quick Turnaround for UT Martin
Having already played two games this week, the Skyhawks will enjoy a brief respite on Saturday before resuming their schedule. They will return to the Elam Center to host Tennessee Tech on Thursday, followed by a home game against Tennessee State on Saturday. These upcoming contests represent a crucial stretch for UT Martin as they aim to finish the regular season strong and position themselves for success in the upcoming tournament. The team will necessitate to build on the positive aspects of their performance against Little Rock – particularly their second-half resilience and free throw shooting – to secure victories in these final games.
The Arkansas Democrat-Gazette reported that the game against Tennessee-Martin took place at 7 p.m. On Thursday, February 19, 2026, at the Jack Stephens Center.
Fans interested in following the UT Martin women’s basketball team can find updated schedules, scores, and player information on the official UT Martin Athletics website.
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The Skyhawks will look to translate their second-half improvements into a full-game performance when they face Tennessee Tech next week. Stay tuned for further updates on UT Martin women’s basketball as the season progresses.
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