Optimist
  • News
  • Sports
  • Opinion
    • Columns
    • Editorials
    • Letters to the Editor
  • Features
    • Book Review
  • Multimedia
    • Photo Galleries
    • Videos
  • Podcasts
    • Optimist Overtime
    • Top of the Key
  • Police Log
  • Print Edition
  • Projects
  • About
    • Advertise
    • Policies
    • Staff Contacts
    • Jobs
You are here: Home / Sports / ACU bounces back in blowout win against UT Tyler
Freshman guard Katie Horyna looks for an opening in the Mustangs' defense. (Photo by David Mitchell)

ACU bounces back in blowout win against UT Tyler

December 16, 2020 by Carrie Johnston

Following its first loss of the season, ACU returned home to Abilene and dominated against Div. II UT Tyler, 81-26.

The game got off to a quick start, with the Wildcats’ starting five creating a quick lead early in the game. ACU closed off the first quarter with a 14-0 run, allowing them to take control for the rest of the game.

This is something that head coach Julie Goodenough has been pleased with over the course of the season.

“Our starters did such a great job in the past few games of putting points on the board early,” said Goodenough. “We got some good defensive stops in the first quarter that turned into break offense for us. They were really ready to play and really helped in jumpstarting our team.”

This allowed for players who usually do not get many minutes to play more than usual, which allowed many of them to contribute heavily to this win.

Since many players played a large number of minutes, scoring for the Wildcats was scattered throughout the entire team. Nearly every player on the roster found themselves in the scoring column. Leading in scoring with 11 points apiece were senior guard Anna McLeod and forward Makayla Mabry.

Other players like junior forward Diamond Willcot and guard Madi Miller played well, scoring nine points and filling the stat sheet in multiple ways.

One player who had a significant impact coming off the bench in this game was freshman guard Katie Horyna. Alongside her 10 points, Horyna tallied six assists, four rebounds and two assists.

“I thought we played really good today,” said Horyna. “Plus, it’s a lot easier to play well when you have good teammates around you. All of us always know how to get the ball to each other and always know how to get a good shot for each other. We did that really well tonight.”

Offensively, the Wildcats were able to move the ball to help create multiple opportunities for each other. This led the Wildcats to tally 22 assists on the night and allowed for wide-open 3-point shots, and Wildcats were not afraid to shoot. They shot 19-46, or 41 percent, from the 3-point line while shooting 48 percent from the field.

“For the most part, everyone was really shot ready,” said Goodenough. “We did a really good job of sharing the basketball and passing the ball around the perimeter to players that were open and had good shots. Our feet were set and ready to shoot the ball, so I am really proud of their effort.”

Defensively, the Wildcats swarmed UT Tyler, not allowing them to score seven points in a quarter. ACU held the Patriots to 19 percent shooting from the field and 14 percent from the 3-point line.

ACU’s defense also caused a lot of turnovers, which allowed for more offensive possessions. With UT Tyler’s 26 turnovers and the Wildcats’ 16 steals, the Wildcats were able to get 32 points off of their defense. They also rebounded the ball well, outrebounding the Patriots 31-21 on the defensive end.

“Our defensive intensity was really good today,” said Goodenough. “In the second half, we did a good job of blocking out and pursuing rebounds. But our team needs to make sure to be consistent about that effort and locking in to finish possessions. Overall, I feel pleased with how the team plays with high hands, good ball pressure and good team defense.”

The Wildcats will get one last chance to prepare for conference play as they head to the Hatter Classic in Florida. The first game is slated against the University of Alabama Birmingham. Tip-off at 12 p.m. Dec. 19th. It will be broadcasting live on 98.1 FM, The Ticket.

“It is our final tune-up before conference play,” said Goodenough, “so we want to play really crisp and clean. We will get the chance to play two good teams, so we got to bring our A-game. Especially since these are the last non-conference games before we get into the games that really count this season.”

Filed Under: Showcase, Sports

Other Showcase:

  • Patterson’s brand of ACU football: Character. Discipline. Toughness.

  • Cullen Auditorium still set for a name change alongside renovations

  • Wildcats conclude season with preparations for WAC Championships

About Carrie Johnston

You are here: Home / Sports / ACU bounces back in blowout win against UT Tyler

Other Showcase:

  • Patterson’s brand of ACU football: Character. Discipline. Toughness.

  • Cullen Auditorium still set for a name change alongside renovations

  • Wildcats conclude season with preparations for WAC Championships

Follow us online

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

Optimist on Twitter

acuoptimist The Optimist @acuoptimist ·
4 May

"Maybe we just don’t care enough. But if we do start caring, and if we become the loudest fans in the WAC, let’s stick to supportive cheering." Read more from Guest Columnist Londyn Gray:
https://acuoptimist.com/2022/04/not-so-friendly-competition/

Reply on Twitter 1521918832738144257 Retweet on Twitter 1521918832738144257 1 Like on Twitter 1521918832738144257 8 Twitter 1521918832738144257
acuoptimist The Optimist @acuoptimist ·
3 May

Royce Clough and Jael Morel have been named as Mr. and Miss ACU for the class of 2022, a traditional honor voted on by the student body and awarded to two members of each graduating class.

Reply on Twitter 1521607087553458178 Retweet on Twitter 1521607087553458178 Like on Twitter 1521607087553458178 18 Twitter 1521607087553458178

Optimist on Facebook

The Optimist

3 months ago

The Optimist
"Maybe we just don’t care enough. But if we do start caring, and if we become the loudest fans in the WAC, let’s stick to supportive cheering." Read more from Guest Columnist Londyn Gray: ... See MoreSee Less

Not-so-friendly competition - Optimist

acuoptimist.com

BY: LONDYN GRAY “Number 18, you look like you don’t shower!” I chuckled and shrugged it off. “Londyn!” They had looked up the roster. “Do you even brush your teeth?” I laughed again, rol...
View on Facebook
· Share

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linked In Share by Email

The Optimist

3 months ago

The Optimist
Cullen Auditorium is expected to be handed over to the university in June 2022, alongside a name change that coupled with the renovation will create new future for the Cornerstone class, Chapel and the Department of Theatre. ... See MoreSee Less

Cullen Auditorium still set for a name change alongside renovations - Optimist

acuoptimist.com

Cullen Auditorium is expected to be handed over to the university in June 2022, alongside a name change that coupled with the renovation will create new future for the Cornerstone class, Chapel and th...
View on Facebook
· Share

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linked In Share by Email

Videos

Women’s tournament run ended by first-round exit against UTRGV

The Wildcats’ Western Athletic Conference tournament run and season came to a ... [Read More…]

  • Optimist Newscast Feb. 22. 2022
  • Optimist Newscast 2.16.2022
  • Optimist Newscast 2.9.2022

Latest Photos

  • Home
  • Weekly Ads
  • Classifieds

© 2022 ACU Optimist · All Rights Reserved