CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. --- The Chattanooga women's basketball team battled back in the second half but came up short against UAB, falling 79-66 Sunday afternoon at The McKenzie Arena.
 
UAB (2-2) built a commanding 38-22 halftime lead behind sharp shooting and a 9-0 run midway through the second quarter. Chattanooga (2-3) struggled offensively early, shooting just 27.3% in the second period, but the Mocs responded after the break with energy and execution.
 
Second-Half Surge:

• In the third quarter, UTC posted its best scoring run of the game - a 10-0 spurt ending at 1:44 - to cut into what had been a 22-point deficit. The Mocs outscored UAB 20-19 in the frame, fueled by clutch baskets from Caia Elisaldez and Izzy McPherson.
• In the fourth quarter, Chattanooga continued to fight, using an 8-0 run at 3:23 to pull within single digits. Elisaldez led the charge with aggressive drives and free throws, finishing with a team-high 25 points.
• The Mocs shot 44 percent in the second half, 50 percent in the final period, and held the Blazers to two buckets on 12 (16.7%) tries in the final frame.

 
Chattanooga entered the final period trailing 57-42 but refused to go quietly. The Mocs opened the quarter with renewed intensity, sparked by Elisaldez, who scored 15 of her 25 points in the last 10 minutes. After UAB pushed its lead to 17 at 8:33 (59-42), UTC answered with an 8-0 run starting at 3:23, highlighted by Elisaldez's driving layups and a key bucket from Ava Card that trimmed the deficit to single digits at 61-54.
 
The Mocs continued to attack the paint, outscoring UAB 14-2 inside during the period and converting 7-of-8 free throws. Elisaldez's three-point play at 0:31 brought UTC within nine (64-73), capping a stretch where Chattanooga scored on five straight possessions. However, UAB countered with clutch free throws from Eleecia Carter, who went 12-for-12 at the line in the quarter, and a late layup from Jordan Rosier to seal the 79-66 win.
 
Key Stats:

• UTC Leaders: Caia Elisaldez (25 points), Ava Card (11 points) Izzy McPherson (8 points), Gianna Corbitt (7 points, 7 rebounds).
• UAB Leaders: Eleecia Carter (25 points), Sofia Munoz (13 points, 5 assists), Cali Smallwood (11 points).
• Chattanooga dominated the paint (32-24) and second-chance points (11-5), but UAB's bench contributed 47 points and the Blazers shot 89.3% from the line.

 
Thursday is a Pajama Party!! The Mocs host Austin Peay in the Roundhouse and pajamas are the attire for the night. Tip off is at 6:00 p.m. and tickets are on sale online at GoMocs.com.
 
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