Lamar Cardinals dominate Paul Quinn College to close out 2023

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Darla S Tamulitis, La Vita Loca Photography
Copyright 2023 All Rights Reserved

By Robert H Kelly
Copyright 2023 All Rights Reserved

BEAUMONT, TEXAS (January 30, 2023) In a commanding performance, the Lamar Cardinals showcased their depth and offensive prowess as they ended 2023 with a resounding 91-64 victory over Paul Quinn College on Saturday evening.

The Cardinals' offensive power was evident, with a 47.1 percent shooting accuracy from the field, including eight successful three-pointers. Terry Anderson and Adam Hamilton led the charge with 15 points each. Anderson also secured with a double-double with 10 rebounds in addition to his 15 points.

Lamar had four players finish in double figures, with Ja'Sean Jackson contributing 12 points and Chris Pryor adding 10 to the scoreboard. Lamar's dominance extended to the boards, where they outrebounded Paul Quinn 56-25. Janko Bulijic and Anderson both recorded double-figure rebounds, highlighting Lamar's prowess in controlling the paint.

Key to Lamar's success was their ability to capitalize on second-chance opportunities, amassing 28 points from offensive rebounds. Additionally, the Cardinals capitalized on Paul Quinn's 18 turnovers, converting them into 32 points.

As Lamar shifts its focus to Southland Conference play, they will face Northwestern State in their next matchup on Saturday, January 6 at the Montagne Center, tipping off at 6 p.m.

Denley's last second three-pointer rallies Lamar Cardinals to a 61-58 win over Loyola Marymount.

Photo by Darla S Tamulitis, La Vida Loca Photography
Copyright 2023 All Rights Reserved

By Robert H Kelly
Copyright 2023 All Rights Reserved

BEAUMONT, TEXAS (December 30, 2023) Beaumont native Jacei Denley (shown left) showed what she could do in a clutch with a buzzer-beater basket to give the Lamar University women's basketball team a 61-58 victory over Loyola Marymount Lions on Saturday evening. Denley finished as the game's top scorer with 15 points.

The Cardinals fell behind 11-2 in the first quarter. However, Denley, along with Malay McQueen, ignited a three-point barrage, cutting the Lions' lead however, they still maintained an 18-10 lead after the first quarter.

Facing a double-digit halftime deficit, Lamar mounted a turnaround in the third quarter. The Lady Cradinals outscored LMU 16-9, with Akasha Davis, Sabria Dean, and Denley leading the charge. The Cardinals entered the final quarter trailing 43-40.

The closing minutes saw both teams locked in a tight battle score  tied at 58 with 2:01 remaining. Denley's clutch three-pointer gave Lamar a 61-58 lead with just three-tenths of a second left on the clock.

This win propelled Lamar into 2024 with a 6-4 record as they prepare to host UIW on January 4 at 7:00 p.m.

Notre Dame dominates Oregon State in Tony the Tiger Sun Bowl

The Sun Bowl is played at the historic Sun Bowl Stadium in El Paso, Texas.
Photo by Francisco Casillas, Copyright 2023, All Rights Reserved

By Chris Price
Copyright 2023 All Rights Reserved

EL PASO, TEXAS (December 29, 2023) In a spectacular display of skill and dominance, the Notre Dame Fighting Irish claimed a resounding 40-8 victory over the Oregon State Beavers at the 90th Tony the Tiger Sun Bowl at Sun Bowl Stadium. The sold-out crowd of 48,223 witnessed a memorable performance as Notre Dame showcased their prowess in both offensive and defensive aspects of the game. The Fighting Irish, now boasting a 10-3 season record, left no room for doubt about their superiority in the Sun Bowl. Notre Dame's offense, led by freshman quarterback Steven Angeli, executed with precision, amassing an impressive 448 yards. Angeli, in his first career start, set personal bests with 212 passing yards, three touchdown passes, 14 completions, and 18 attempts. Jordan Faison emerged as a standout player, earning the C.M. Hendricks MVP title. Faison's career-high 115 receiving yards, including a remarkable 55-yard reception, propelled Notre Dame to a 32-point victory, marking the largest margin in the program's bowl game history. The Fighting Irish ground game, led by Jadarian Price's career-best 106 rushing yards, was equally formidable. Price's one-yard touchdown run in the second quarter contributed to Notre Dame's 14-0 halftime lead. The Beavers struggled to find their footing, managing only 197 yards of total offense. Defensively, Notre Dame's performance was commendable, recording four sacks and securing a safety in the fourth quarter. The Beavers, despite a valiant effort, couldn't overcome the relentless Irish defense.

Texas A&M falls short against Oklahoma State in thrilling TaxAct Texas Bowl

By Robert H Kelly
Copyright 2023 All Rights Rights

HOUSTON, TEXAS (December 27, 2023) In a heart-pounding battle at NRG Stadium, the Texas A&M football team fought valiantly against No. 22 Oklahoma State, ultimately succumbing to a 31-23 defeat in the TaxAct Texas Bowl on Wednesday night.

The Aggies, entering the game with a depleted roster, faced adversity from the first play when starting quarterback Jaylen Henderson exited the game due to injury. Despite the setback, reserve quarterback Marcel Reed stepped up, showcasing resilience and determination. Reed completed 20-of-33 passes for an impressive 361 yards, adding a rushing touchdown to his name.

Trailing 24-6 at halftime, Texas A&M mounted a spirited comeback in the second half. The defense, led by standout Sam Mathews, forced crucial turnovers, allowing the Aggies to outscore Oklahoma State 17-7 in the final two quarters. Mathews delivered a stellar performance, tallying a career-high 14 tackles, including 1.5 tackles for loss, one pass breakup, and an interception.

Wide receivers Jahdae Walker, Max Wright, and Moose Muhammad III played pivotal roles in the offensive resurgence. Walker led the receiving corps with eight catches for 137 yards, while Wright contributed four catches for 62 yards, and Muhammad III finished with three catches for 68 yards.

Despite falling short, the Aggies displayed resilience and determination. Reed's connection with Wright on a pair of passes set up a 2-yard rushing touchdown by Amari Daniels, narrowing the score to 24-13 in the third quarter. Reed himself contributed a 20-yard rushing touchdown, keeping the Aggies in the fight.

A late-game surge, featuring a 51-yard field goal by Randy Bond, brought Texas A&M within striking distance at 31-28 with 5:07 remaining. The defense held strong, and with 17 seconds left, the Cowboys' 47-yard field goal attempt went wide right, providing the Aggies with one last opportunity.

In a dramatic final sequence, Reed unleashed a Hail Mary pass that unfortunately ended in an interception as time expired. The Aggies, despite the adversity and a depleted roster, showcased determination and fighting spirit until the very last play.

Texas State dominates First Responder Bowl with convincing win over Rice

Photo by Francisco Casillas, Copyright 2023, All Rights Reserved

By Chris Price

Copyright 2023 All Rights Reserved

DALLAS,TEXAS (December 26, 2023) In a stunning display of defensive prowess and offensive efficiency, the Texas State Bobcats secured an impressive 45-21 victory over the Rice Owls in the SERVPRO First Responder Bowl. Linebacker Brian Holloway emerged as the defensive hero with two interception returns for touchdowns, while Jahmyl Jeter showcased his offensive prowess with three rushing scores.

Texas State's first-year coach, G.J. Kinne, expressed the significance of not just participating in a bowl game but clinching the win. "Going to a bowl game, that’s great. But winning a bowl game, that’s what matters," Kinne emphasized. The victory marked Texas State's first bowl appearance as an FBS program, signaling a promising future for the team.

Holloway, a standout among the 56 transfers on Texas State’s roster, played a pivotal role in the triumph. His two interception returns, covering 36 and 48 yards respectively, turned the tide decisively in Texas State's favor. The game, played at SMU's Gerald J. Ford Stadium, served as a fitting venue for Holloway, who spent his first three college seasons at SMU before transferring to Texas State.

Jahmyl Jeter's stellar performance included a 29-yard touchdown run and two 1-yard rushing scores. The Bobcats' dominance extended to both sides of the ball, with Nash Jones, a 320-pound offensive tackle, even contributing a 3-yard touchdown run.

Rice, despite a valiant effort, faced an uphill battle against the relentless Texas State defense. The Owls fell short of securing their first winning season and bowl victory since 2014. Rice coach Mike Bloomgren acknowledged the impact of turnovers on the outcome, stating, "If you take away the seven turnovers, you probably have a pretty close football game and a chance to win it."

The victory not only marked a successful season finale for Texas State but also showcased the team's potential as a rising force in collegiate football. Coach Kinne expressed optimism, stating, "I feel like when I took the job, everyone talked about the sleeping giant. Well, I think it’s getting ... it’s awake."

Air Force downs James Madison 31-14 in Armed Forces Bowl

Photo and story by Robert H Kelly
Copyright 2023 All Rights Reserved

FORT WORTH, TEXAS (December 23, 2023) In a thrilling showdown at the Lockheed Martin Armed Forces Bowl, Air Force Falcon football secured an impressive 31-21 win over No. 24 James Madison Dukes. The Falcons capped their 2023 season with a 9-4 record.

The game unfolded as a clash of titans, with Air Force facing the nation's top-ranked rush defense in James Madison, allowing only 62 yards per game. However, the Falcons defied the odds, churning out a remarkable 351 yards on the ground. Senior fullback Emmanuel Michel emerged as the star of the show, setting an Air Force bowl record with an astounding 203 rushing yards on 35 carries, earning him the well-deserved title of Armed Forces Bowl MVP.

Air Force's victory was propelled by a relentless running game and a tenacious defense that tallied four sacks and an interception. Senior linebacker Bo Richter led the defensive charge with three sacks and 4.5 tackles-for-loss, both standing as Air Force bowl records.

The Falcons took control of the game in the second quarter, seizing momentum after linebacker Jonathan Youngblood intercepted James Madison's quarterback Jordan McCloud. Air Force capitalized on the turnover, orchestrating an impressive 72-yard drive culminating in another one-yard touchdown run by Michel. The first half concluded with quarterback Zac Larrier connecting with receiver Jared Roznos for a 42-yard touchdown, establishing a commanding 21-7 lead for the Falcons.

Despite James Madison's efforts to rally in the third quarter, Air Force responded emphatically with a 75-yard touchdown drive, highlighted by Larrier's one-yard plunge, extending their lead to 28-14. The Falcons' dominance was further solidified as Matthew Dapore sealed the victory with a 26-yard field goal, bringing the score to 31-14 with 8:20 left in the game.

James Madison managed to score a late touchdown, but it was not enough to overcome Air Force's performance.

TCU Women’s Basketball makes history with undefeated nonconference stint

Story and photo by Robert H Kelly
Copyright 2024 All Rights Reserved

FORT WORTH, TEXAS (December 22, 2023) In a historic feat for TCU Women's Basketball, the team has closed out their nonconference schedule with an undefeated record for the first time in program history. The Frogs delivered a masterclass in both offensive and defensive prowess, capping off this achievement with an emphatic 87-34 victory over Mount St. Mary's.

The defensive showcase was the highlight of the game, as TCU stifled the Mountaineers to a mere 22 percent shooting from the field and a paltry 19.4 percent from beyond the arc. The Frogs exhibited remarkable discipline, committing only three fouls collectively throughout the entire game.

The rebounding battle further underscored TCU's dominance, with the Frogs securing 49 rebounds compared to the Mountaineers' 26. TCU wasted no time asserting their dominance, outscoring Mount St. Mary's 23-5 in a commanding first quarter.

The second quarter witnessed the Frogs extending their lead to 40-14 by halftime, as the Mountaineers struggled to find their footing. TCU continued to tighten their defensive grip in the third quarter, allowing Mount St. Mary's a mere three points while racking up an impressive 31 points of their own.

Leading the charge for the Frogs was Sedona Prince, securing her second consecutive double-double with 22 points on over 80 percent shooting, 15 rebounds, and six assists. Prince's defensive impact was equally noteworthy, contributing three blocks and a steal without committing a single personal foul.

Agnes Emma-Nnopu joined Prince in the double-double club, adding 15 points, ten rebounds, and two crucial blocks. Madison Conner showcased her scoring prowess with 21 points, complemented by three assists and three rebounds. Aaliyah Roberson rounded out the double-figure scorers, contributing 10 points, eight rebounds, and two assists.

Texas Tech Red Raiders dominate California Golden Bears at Independence Bowl

Photo by Darla S Tamulitis, La Vita Loca Photography
Copyright 2023 All Rights Reserved

By Robert H Kelly
Copyright 2023 All Rights Reserved

SHREVEPORT, LOUISIANA (December 17, 2023) In a thrilling showdown at the Radiance Technologies Independence Bowl on Saturday night, the Texas Tech Red Raiders emerged victorious, extending their bowl win streak to an impressive three games with a 34-14 win over the California Golden Bears.

Texas Tech quarterback Behren Morton took center stage with an outstanding performance, completing 27 of 43 passes for 256 yards and contributing three pivotal first-half touchdowns. Despite a bumpy start that saw a fumbled opening kickoff leading to an early California touchdown, head coach Joey McGuire rallied his team, displaying determination that defined the Red Raiders' season.

Running back Tahj Brooks played a crucial role, rushing for 98 yards and adding a touchdown, solidifying his reputation as the nation's fourth-leading rusher. The Red Raiders' defense proved instrumental, shutting out the Golden Bears for the final three quarters.

The turning point occurred in the second quarter when Texas Tech, down 14-7, responded with a 93-yard drive culminating in a 27-yard touchdown pass from Morton to Coy Eakin. This marked the beginning of a momentum shift that allowed the Red Raiders to take control of the game.

Cal's freshman quarterback, Fernando Mendoza, displayed resilience despite an injury scare, contributing to the Bears briefly regaining the lead. However, Texas Tech's determined defense prevailed to secure the victory.

Exciting clash in Independence Bowl: Texas Tech faces California in historic showdown

Story and photo by Robert H Kelly
Copyright 2023 All Rights Reserved

SHREVEPORT, LOUISIANA (December 16, 2023)  In a thrilling matchup tonight (December 16), the Texas Tech Red Raiders and California Golden Bears will hit the gridiron for the Radiance Technologies Independence Bowl, marking their second-ever meeting. The lone encounter dates back to the 2004 Holiday Bowl, where Texas Tech secured a 45-31 victory, with current Louisiana Tech head coach Sonny Cumbie shining as the Offensive MVP.

For Cal, this game marks their inaugural appearance in the Independence Bowl, making it their 25th bowl appearance overall. Meanwhile, Texas Tech, participating in their 41st bowl game, aims to break the streak after two previous Independence Bowl defeats in 1986 and 1998.

Texas Tech boasts a commendable 5-4 record in Big 12 play for the second consecutive season, standing as one of only three Big 12 teams with back-to-back winning conference records. Their November victories over ranked teams, Kansas and UCF, showcase their determination.

Cal, after a challenging stretch against ranked opponents, rallied with three consecutive wins, including an impressive 33-7 triumph over bowl-bound UCLA. The clash promises an exciting showdown between two top rushers, with Texas Tech's Tahj Brooks ranking 4th in the FBS and Cal's Jaydn Ott standing 13th.

Cal's defense enters the game with a flair for big plays, leading the nation in fumbles recovered (14) and ranking second in turnovers gained (25). The Golden Bears have proven themselves on the defensive end, with three touchdowns to their name.

As the fifth Pac-12 team in Independence Bowl history, Cal looks to continue the conference's success, while Texas Tech aims to break the Big 12's previous struggles in the bowl.

North Shore rallies to secure a thrilling victory over Atascocita

Story and photo by Robert H Kelly
Copyright 2023 All Rights Reserved

PASADENA, TEXAS (December 2, 2023) In a heart-pounding showdown at Veterans Memorial Stadium, the North Shore Mustangs staged a remarkable comeback to overcome an eight-point halftime deficit and defeated the Atascocita Eagles 34-28 in the UIL Region III-6A Division I final Saturday afternoon. The win marked North Shore's eighth consecutive triumph over Atascocita and extended their overall series lead to 9-2 since 2016.

The game began with a spectacular 61-yard kickoff by North Shore's, Khamani Hudson, pinning Atascocita on its own 2-yard line. However, Atascocita swiftly turned the tables as senior quarterback Zion Brown connected with Jelani Watkins for an electrifying 98-yard touchdown pass, setting the tone for a competitive matchup. Atascocita extended its lead to 14-0 after Cardae Mack's 26-yard TD run late in the first quarter.

Despite facing adversity, North Shore found their rhythm in the second half. Kaleb Bailey, North Shore's quarterback, orchestrated a comeback, connecting with Christopher Barnes for a 55-yard TD pass, narrowing Atascocita's lead to 14-13 early in the third quarter.

North Shore's special teams then came up big, blocking Atascocita's punt and allowing Dezmon Christian to scoop up the ball for a 24-yard touchdown, giving the Mustangs their first lead at 20-14. Hudson continued to shine, this time intercepting a pass and setting up Bailey for a 2-yard TD run, extending North Shore's lead to 27-14.

Bailey's connection with Barnes for a 65-yard TD pass further solidified North Shore's dominance, securing a 34-14 lead with just over seven minutes left in the game. Atascocita, refusing to go down without a fight, staged a late rally as Brown found Cameron Glenn for two touchdown passes, but time ultimately ran out for the Eagles.

Star performances were aplenty, with Barnes securing seven receptions for an impressive 203 yards and two touchdowns for North Shore. On the opposing side, Glenn showcased his skills with seven receptions for 83 yards and two TDs for Atascocita. Christian's momentum-changing play, the 24-yard scoop-and-score in the third quarter, was a crucial highlight for North Shore.

Mississippi State downs Arkansas Pine-Bluff 77-68 in Van Chancellor Classic

Photo by Darla Tamulitis-La Vida Loco Photography
Copyright 2023 All Rights Reserved

By Robert H Kelly
Copyright 2023 All Rights Reserved

KATY, TEXAS (November 25, 2023) In a heart-pounding clash at the Van Chancellor Classic, the No. 25 Mississippi State women's basketball team triumphed over Arkansas-Pine Bluff with a final score of 77-68.

The Bulldogs extended their undefeated streak to an impressive 7-0, but not without facing a gritty challenge from the Golden Lions (1-4), who fought tenaciously throughout the game.

Jerkaila Jordan emerged as the star for Mississippi State, delivering a remarkable 20-point performance while Erynn Barnum, contributed a valuable double-double with 12 points and 12 rebounds.

The game reached a fever pitch as the Golden Lions, trailing by 10 at halftime, narrowed the gap to a mere three points with less than eight minutes left. However, the Bulldogs countered with a late 6-0 surge, solidifying a 75-63 lead with just over a minute remaining.

Zaay Green spearheaded the Golden Lions' effort with an outstanding stat line of 19 points, seven rebounds, and seven assists, while Coriah Beck chipped in with 13 points.

Mississippi State's dominance in second-chance opportunities contributed to their success with an impressive 24 second-chance points. The Bulldogs' determination was evident in a 12-1 run led by Jerkaila Jordan, propelling them to a 39-29 lead just before halftime.

Next up for the Bulldogs is a Sunday matchup against the Tulsa Hurricane while Arkansas-Pine Bluff will face Clemson.

Louisville secures comeback win against Liberty in Betty Chancellor Classic

Photo by Darla S Tamulitis,  La Vita Loca Photography
Copyright 2023 All Rights Reserved

By Robert H Kelly
Copyright 2023 All Rights Reserved

KATY, TEXAS (November 25, 2023) In a thrilling Betty Chancellor Classic matchup, the No. 20/15 Louisville women's basketball team showcased resilience and determination, overcoming a six-point deficit entering the fourth quarter to secure a hard-fought 72-63 victory against the Liberty Flames. The game, held at the Merrell Center, unfolded as a tale of two halves, with the Cardinals outscoring the Lady Flames 26-11 in the final period.

Liberty, now 2-4, had moments of brilliance, leading the nationally-ranked Cardinals by as many as 10 points. However, turnovers proved costly for the Lady Flames, with 21 miscues leading to 19 Louisville points. The defeat marks Liberty's fourth consecutive loss, and the team's struggles against Top 25 opponents persist, extending their losing streak to 40 straight meetings.

Louisville, now boasting a 5-1 record, bounced back impressively from a previous loss to Alabama on Friday. The Cardinals' dynamic duo, Olivia Cochran and Kiki Jefferson, played pivotal roles in the comeback victory. Cochran, overcoming foul trouble from the previous game, delivered one of the best performances of her career, tying a personal high with 21 points and securing 11 rebounds for her 10th career double-double. Jefferson, with a season-best 20 points and a flawless 8-for-8 from the free-throw line, showcased her prowess in a Cardinal uniform.

The fourth quarter surge, ignited by a 16-1 run, underscored Louisville's resilience and ability to seize control when it mattered most. Nina Rickards, contributing 12 points, added to the Cardinals' balanced offensive effort, securing her second-straight double-digit scoring game along with eight rebounds and three assists.

Gonzaga Bulldogs dominate opening game at Betty Chancellor Classic

Photo courtesy of Gonzaga Sports Communication Department, Used with permission.

By Robert H Kelly
Copyright 2023 All Rights Reserved

KATY, TEXAS (November 24, 2023) Gonzaga's women's basketball team showcased an impressive performance in their opening game at the Betty Chancellor Classic, securing a commanding 102-59 victory over the Liberty Flames. The Bulldogs' stellar offensive display, particularly their three-point shooting, set the tone for a memorable night at the Merrell Center.

The entire starting lineup for Gonzaga made significant contributions, with all players scoring in double figures. Kayleigh Truong led the charge with a team-high and career-high 25 points, shooting an impressive 8-for-9 from the floor. Eliza Hollingsworth wasn't far behind, achieving a career-high of her own with 22 points, connecting on 7-of-13 attempts.

The first quarter saw Truong's explosive start, accumulating 14 points and propelling the Zags to a commanding 28-11 lead. The Bulldogs continued their dominance in the second quarter, heading into halftime with a 55-31 lead. Hollingsworth's 13 points in the second quarter contributed significantly to Gonzaga's offensive prowess, shooting at an impressive 52.6 percent and holding Liberty to 36.8 percent.

Gonzaga's relentless offensive onslaught continued in the third quarter, highlighted by an impressive 7-0 run. Yvonne Ejim took charge, leading the team with eight points in the quarter, while Brynna Maxwell and Hollingsworth added six points each. The Zags made their mark from beyond the arc, sinking eight three-pointers at a remarkable 61.5 percent.

The Bulldogs sealed the game with 12 more points, reaching the 100-point mark for the first time since 2016. They also tied a school record with 17 made three-pointers in a single game. Hollingsworth and Kaylynne Truong both contributed four threes, while Kayleigh Truong led with five.

Defensively, Gonzaga showcased its prowess by holding Liberty to 36.2 percent shooting and forcing 12 turnovers. The Bulldogs dominated the boards, outrebounding the Lady Flames 37-23, with Ejim securing eight rebounds. Kaylynne Truong displayed her playmaking skills, dishing out a team-high eight assists.

The victory marked several milestones for the Zags, including tying the program record for made three-pointers and surpassing the 100-point mark for the first time in years. Kayleigh Truong's 25 points and Hollingsworth's 22 points set new career highs.

Looking ahead, Gonzaga faces Alabama in their next matchup on November 25 at 11:15 a.m. Pacific Time. This will be the first-ever meeting between the two programs in women's basketball history.

Liberty, on the other hand, faced its third consecutive loss, falling to 2-3 for the season. Despite solid performances from Bella Smuda and Emma Hess, the Lady Flames couldn't contain Gonzaga's offensive firepower.

Alabama women's basketball secures upset victory over #20/15 Louisville

By Robert H Kelly
Copyright 2023 All Rights Reserved

KATY, TEXAS (November 24, 2023) In a nail-biting clash at the Betty Chancellor Classic, the Alabama women's basketball team emerged triumphant with a stunning 78-73 upset over the No. 20/15 Louisville Cardinals. The Crimson Tide, now boasting an unblemished 6-0 record for the season, displayed resilience and tenacity throughout the game.

Guard Aaliyah Nye scored seven pivotal points in the final 30 seconds, including a game-changing three-pointer with just 27 seconds left on the clock. Nye's perfect free throw shooting in the game's closing moments sealed the deal for Alabama, maintaining their flawless free throw record of 6-6 down the stretch.

Sarah Ashlee Barker led the charge with an impressive 18 points and seven rebounds, steering the Tide to victory before fouling out with 1:27 left in regulation. Nye, along with Jessica Timmons, Karly Weathers, and Loyal McQueen, all reached double figures, combining for all but nine of Alabama's 78 points.

This victory marks Alabama's first win over an Associated Press Top-25 team since the 2021-22 season, breaking the dry spell with an upset reminiscent of their triumph over then-No. 12/8 Tennessee in February 2022.

Barker and Timmons led the Tide in rebounding, while McQueen contributed with a team-leading four assists. Karly Weathers, coming off the bench, ignited the first half with 11 points, shooting a flawless 3-of-3 from beyond the arc.

Alabama's next challenge looms large as they gear up to face Gonzaga in the second game of the tournament at 1:15 p.m. CT on Saturday, November 25.

Dominant performance propels HCU to 80-46 victory over Mount St. Joseph

Photo by Darla S Tamulitis, La Vita Loca Photography 
Copyright 2023 All Rights Reserved

By Robert H Kelly
Copyright 2023 All Rights Reserved

HOUSTON, TEXAS (November 22, 2023) In a commanding display of skill and teamwork, the HCU Huskies women's basketball team triumphed over the Mount St. Joseph Lions with a resounding 80-46 victory in a non-conference matchup at Sharp Gym on Wednesday evening.

Right from the opening tip-off, the Huskies (2-4) asserted their dominance, seizing a quick 4-0 lead with Jo Oly contributing two early baskets. As the first quarter progressed, HCU continued to widen the gap, reaching an impressive 25-10 advantage by the end of the period. Enya Maguire and Kennedy Wilson played pivotal roles in this early surge, combining for 21 points.

By halftime, the Huskies had built a substantial 45-24 lead, with Maguire showcasing her sharpshooting skills, going 4-of-4 from the field for 11 points. Wilson contributed 10 points and an impressive five steals, setting the tone for HCU's defensive prowess.

Despite a brief challenge from Mount St. Joseph in the third quarter, the Huskies responded emphatically with a 25-0 run, keeping the Lions scoreless for nearly nine minutes. N'Denasija Collins led all players with 17 points, supported by Wilson's 16 points and Maguire's 14, including four three-pointers.

The statistics reflect the Huskies' dominance on the court, shooting 60 percent as a team, controlling the boards with a 37-20 advantage, and forcing 21 turnovers. The team's balanced offense, efficient shooting, and solid defense proved too much for the Lions to handle.

Looking ahead, HCU is set to continue their home stand with a game against Howard Payne on Monday, November 27, at 6:00 p.m. inside Sharp Gym. 

HCU linebacker Jalyx Hunt named SLC Defensive Player of the Year

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Darla Tamulitis, La Vita Loca Photography
Copyright 2023 All Rights Reserved

By Robert H Kelly
Copyright 2023 All Rights Reserved

HOUSTON, TEXAS (November 22, 2023) In an announcement from the Southland Conference, HCU Huskies senior linebacker Jalyx Hunt (shown left) has been named the Defensive Player of the Year for the 2023 season.

His contributions this season include 46 tackles, 6.5 sacks, and nine tackles for loss. The senior linebacker's ability to read plays, disrupt offenses, and make crucial tackles contributed to HCU's success this season. A standout moment in Hunt's season was his exceptional performance against Lamar, where his play featured a forced fumble and and fumble recovery.

In addition, Hunt has received invitations to both the East-West Shrine Bowl and the Reese's Senior Bowl. Hunt's journey to Defensive Player of the Year mirrors that of former Huskie Caleb Johnson, now a Jacksonville Jaguar, who secured Co-Defensive Player of the Year in 2020.

Hunt was not the only Husky named to post season honors. Dillon Fedor and Karl Reynolds earned well-deserved first-team all-conference honors for their remarkable performances this season. Fedor, a junior placekicker, tied the record for the most made field goals in the conference with 10. Reynolds, a senior wide posted 47 receptions, 661 yards, and six touchdowns in 2023.

In addition, linebacker Rodney Dansby and offensive lineman Christian Hood were both named second team all-conference