Lamar Cardinals dominate Paul Quinn College to close out 2023

Photo by
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.