SFA Ladyjacks rally past Nicholls Colonels to reach semifinals of Southland Tournament

By Robert H Kelly
Copyright 2026 All Rights Reserved

LAKE CHARLES, LOUISIANA (March 10, 2026)  The defending champion Stephen F. Austin Ladyjacks showed why they are tough to beat in the Southland Conference tournament. They came from behind to beat the Nicholls Colonels 63–60 on Tuesday afternoon at the 2026 Air Force Reserve Southland Conference Women’s Basketball Championship.

Nicholls started strong. Led by Sh’Diamond McKnight, the Colonels jumped out to a 17–9 lead after the first quarter. They pushed their advantage to 11 points in the second quarter and took a 29–23 lead into halftime. SFA struggled early, making only 33 percent of their shots in the first half.
The Ladyjacks exploded for 27 points in the third quarter. They played tough defense and pushed the ball fast in transition. Myka Perry and Harmanie Dominguez led the charge. SFA turned their six-point deficit into a 50–46 lead going into the fourth quarter.
The final period was full of excitement. Both teams traded baskets, but SFA kept finding answers. Perry hit a big three-point play late in the third to give her team some space. The Ladyjacks’ defense stepped up with key stops in the closing minutes to hold on for the win.
Myka Perry led SFA with 18 points and 10 rebounds for a double-double. She controlled the boards during the comeback. Key Roseby added 13 points, and Harmanie Dominguez scored 11, including several important shots in the third-quarter run.
McKnight had a game-high 21 points for Nicholls, but SFA limited extra chances in the end.With the victory, the No. 3 seed Ladyjacks move on to the semifinals. They will face No. 2 Lamar on Wednesday at 1 p.m. on ESPN+ in a rematch of last year’s semifinal.

Atamah's heroics propel Northwestern State to comeback win

Photo by Darla S Tamulitis, La Vita Loca Photography, Copyright 2026 All Rights Reserved

By Robert H Kelly
Copyright 2026 All Rights Reserved

LAKE CHARLES, LOUISIANA (March 9, 2026)  In a thrilling start to the 2026 Air Force Reserve Southland Conference Women's Basketball Championships, the No. 5 Northwestern State Demons pulled off a stunning comeback. They defeated the No. 8 seeded East Texas A&M Lions 69-56 on Monday morning in the opening round.

The Demons (18-13) fell behind early. The Lions (13-17) jumped out to a 20-10 lead after the first quarter. They stretched it to 13 points in the first half, thanks to sharp shooting from beyond the arc. East Texas A&M looked strong and held the lead for most of the game.

But Northwestern State fought back steadily. By the end of the third quarter, they had narrowed the gap to just one point, 43-42. That's when Southland Player of the Year Vernell Atamah (No. 32 shown above) stepped up big time.

The senior guard dominated the fourth quarter, scoring 14 of her 19 points. She hit key shots, including four three-pointers, and went 7-of-10 from the field. Her hot streak helped the Demons outscore the Lions 27-13 in the final period to seal the victory.

Teammates chipped in too. Nya Valentine added 17 points and four assists. Carla Celaya grabbed a double-double with seven points and 13 rebounds. Off the bench, Cimiya Rideaux surprised everyone. She averages less than one point per game but scored 10 points in just nine minutes, making four of seven shots.

The Demons ruled the rebounds, 53-26, and scored 36 points in the paint. For the Lions, Tiani Ellison led with 15 points, Ahmya Boyce had 13, and Nina Horvath added 12.

This win advances Northwestern State to the quarterfinal where they will face No. 4 UTRGV Vaqueros on Tuesday at 11 a.m. CDT.

Team USA holds off France, Reaches U19 World Cup Semifinals

Photo courtesy of USA Basketball 

By Chris Price
Copyright 2025 All Rights Reserved

BRNO, CZECH REPUBLIC (July 19, 2025) The USA U19 Women’s National Team stayed perfect at the 2025 FIBA U19 Women’s World Cup with a hard-fought 70-65 win over France in the quarterfinals on Friday in Brno, Czech Republic. The victory marks the Americans’ 26th straight win in U19 competition, setting a new tournament record.

France gave the U.S. its toughest test yet. The Americans led just 38-32 at halftime and saw their lead cut to one point in the third quarter. But key plays off the bench by Emilee Skinner and a scoring burst by starters Sienna Betts and helped Team USA push ahead 52-45 going into the fourth quarter.

Hall once again led the way with 26 points, her third 20-point game of the tournament. The strong guard hit big shots early to hold off French momentum and now averages 19.6 points and 3.4 steals per game. Betts also had another big night, earning her fourth straight double-double with 14 points and 11 rebounds.

Team defense helped seal the win, as the Americans held France to just 36.4% shooting. No opponent has shot better than 37% against the U.S. in this tournament. The starting five delivered the bulk of the offense, scoring 64 of the team's 70 total points.

With the win, the U.S. improved to 105-13 all-time in U19 play and will face Spain next in the semifinals on Saturday. It’s a rematch of the 2023 gold medal game, which the U.S. won 69-66.

Nicholls advances in SLC Tourney with 66-63 win over UTRGV

Photo by Darla S Tamulitis, La VIta Loca Photography, Copyright 2025 All Rights Reserved 

By Robert H Kelly
Copyright 2025 All Rights Reserved

LAKE CHARLES, LOUISIANA  (March 10, 2025) The Nicholls Colonels women's basketball team (shown above) edged out the UT Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) Vaqueros with a 66-63 victory in the first round of the Southland Conference Basketball Championships.

The game was tightly contested, with both teams exchanging leads throughout. Nicholls built a 16-12 advantage midway through the first quarter, but UTRGV's defense responded, holding the Colonels scoreless for nearly five minutes to regain momentum.

In the second quarter, the physicality intensified as both teams battled for control. UTRGV's O'Keefe showcased her strength inside, contributing crucial points to keep the Vaqueros competitive.

As the game progressed, neither team could establish a decisive lead. The final minutes were marked by intense back-and-forth action, with both squads displaying resilience and determination. Ultimately, Nicholls managed to secure the win with a late-game surge, advancing to the next round of the tournament.

This victory sets up a matchup between Nicholls and the Incarnate Word Cardinals, who recently notched their program's first Southland Tournament win by defeating Southeastern Louisiana 71-67 in overtime.

Lady Demons advance to 2nd round of SLC Tourney with 66-63 win over TAMU-CC

Photo by Darla Tamulitis-La Vita Loco Photography
Copyright 2025 All Rights Reserved

By Robert H Kelly
Copyright 2025 All Rights Reserved

LAKE CHARLES, LOUSIANA (March 10, 2025) The Northwestern State Lady Demons secured a thrilling 66-63 victory over the Texas A&M-Corpus Christi Islanders in the first round of the Jersey Mike's Southland Conference Basketball Championships. This win marked Northwestern State's first tournament triumph since 2015, propelling them into the second round to face No. 4 seed Incarnate Word on Tuesday at 11 a.m. on ESPN+.

The Lady Demons were led by standout performances from their key players. Sharna Ayres (shown above) delivered an impressive 21 points and grabbed nine rebounds, shooting 6-of-18 from the field, including 6-of-11 from three-point range. Vernell Atamah contributed 18 points and six rebounds, while Mya Blake added 18 points and seven assists.

Northwestern State came out strong in the first quarter, establishing a 21-11 lead, thanks in part to Ayres' hot shooting, which included four first-half three-pointers. However, the Islanders tightened their defense in the second quarter, forcing 12 turnovers and narrowing the gap to a 26-24 halftime deficit.

In the second half, Blake took charge for the Lady Demons, scoring 12 of her 18 points after the break. Despite a late surge from Texas A&M-Corpus Christi, which cut the deficit to one point in the final minute, clutch free throws from Atamah sealed the win for Northwestern State.

The Islanders were led by Paige Allen, who scored 19 points and grabbed six rebounds. Mireia Aguado added 12 points, and Nabaweeyah McGill contributed nine points and four rebounds

Nicholls State overcomes New Orleans in close battle at SLC Championsip

By Robert H Kelly
Copyright 2024 All Rights Reserved

LAKE CHARLES, LOUISIANA (March 11, 2024) In a thrilling showdown at the Southland Conference Tournament, the Nicholls State University women's basketball team showcased their prowess with a solid 73-66 triumph over New Orleans. The game was a rollercoaster ride, with the Colonels trailing at halftime but bouncing back with a vengeance in the second half.

Led by senior guard Kyla Hamilton (Sam Houston HS, Moss Bluff, LA), the Colonels turned up the heat when it mattered most. Hamilton's clutch performance included 18 points, with seven of those crucial points coming in the fourth quarter. She also played a pivotal role on defense, tallying four steals alongside her seven assists and six rebounds.

Mikayla Etienne (Ouachita Parish HS, Monroe, LA) proved to be a game-changer off the bench, lighting up the court with 19 points, including some impressive three-pointers. Lexi Alexander, an All-Southland second team member, delivered a stellar performance with 13 points and 10 rebounds, marking her seventh double-double of the season.

Deonna Brister also made her presence felt with 12 points in the second half, shooting a perfect 4-4 from the field. Her contributions on both ends of the court, including five rebounds and three steals, were instrumental in securing the victory for the Colonels.

Despite a valiant effort from New Orleans, led by Nora Francois and DeArica Pryor, who combined for 41 points, the Privateers couldn't withstand Nicholls State's relentless defense and efficient offense.

This win not only breaks a five-game losing streak against New Orleans but also marks Nicholls State's first postseason victory since 2021. 

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.

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.

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 falls to Texas A&M-Corpus Christi 57-42 in women's basketball action

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

HOUSTON, TEXAS (January 21, 2023) The HCU Huskies dropped a 57-42 decision to the Texas A&M-Corpus Christi Islanders (11-7, 6-1 SLC) at Sharp Gymnasium on Saturday afternoon.  The Huskies (8-10) were leading by a slight margin (three points) after three quarters of play, but could not match the offensive punch of the Islanders in the fourth quarter; being outscored 24-6.

N'Denasija Harris lead the HCU scoring with 17 points followed by Abbey Southland, Marilyn Nzoiwu, and  Kennedy Wilson with six points each. Wilson also led the Huskies with seven rebounds. For the Islanders, Alecia Westbrook tallied 13 points and 13 rebounds for her ninth double-double of the season. She has achieved six of her double-doubles in conference games this season. In addition, it was the senior's 27th double-double of her career.

HCU lost two-of-three meetings against the Islanders in 2021-22 season. The teams squared off in non-conference play where Corpus won, before splitting the conference series. Overall the Huskies are 8-13 against the Islanders dating back to 2011. In the lone Huskies win of last season, Nzoiwu posted a 13-point 13-rebound double-double. Wilson also dropped 12 points in the win. 

In other Southland Conference women's action on Saturday, Southeastern (10-7) defeated Texas A&M-Commerce (6-11) by the score of 46-42 while McNeese (7-11) outlasted Nicholls (4-14) 70-62.

Cowgirls Drop SLC Opener Against Lamar

BEAUMONT, TEXAS (December 31, 2022)  McNeese women’s basketball jumped out to an early four point lead but Lamar caught fire from three-point range on its way to an 82-61 Southland Conference opening win here Saturday.

The loss drops McNeese to 3-9 overall and 0-1 in league play while Lamar improves to 7-5 overall and 1-0 in the SLC.

Stephanie Guihon was the only Cowgirl to score in double figures, ending the game with 17 points.  Thirteen of Guihon’s 17 points came from the free throw line as she finished the game making 13 of 15 from the charity stripe.

McNeese was held to a 33.9 shooting percent (19-56) including 18.8 percent (3-16) from three-point range while Lamar ended the game shooting 44.1 percent (30-68) and a blistering 54.5 three-point percent (12-22).

The Cardinals also outrebounded the Cowgirls 44-38, something McNeese head coach Lynn Kennedy said the Cowgirls needed to improve on.  Turnovers have also been an issue for the Cowgirls this season. McNeese turned the ball over 18 times in the game resulting in 24 Lamar points.

Lamar had three players score in double figures with Sabrina Dean leading all players with a game high 20 points.  Dean was 8 of 13 from the field and 3 of 4 from behind the arc.  Akasha Davis chipped in 16 points and Portia Adams ended the game with 12 points, all coming from three-point range.

McNeese will return to action on Thursday, Jan. 5 to host Northwestern State in its SLC home opener. Tipoff is set for 5 p.m. at the Legacy Center.

HCU Huskies down St. Thomas Celts 68-43

Story and video by Robert H Kelly
Copyright 2022 All Rights Reserved

HOUSTON, TEXAS (December 10, 2022) The HCU Huskies had four players score in double-digits in route to a 68-43 win over the St. Thomas Celts at Sharp Gymnasium on Saturday afternoon.

The Huskies led the game the entire 40 minutes, with their largest lead being 25 points at the 8:15 mark of the fourth quarter. Graduate student Julija Vujakovic (Lycee des Garcons du Luxembourg, Bereldange, Luxembourg) led the scoring with 18 points in 35:07 of playing time. She was aided by N'Desasija Collins (Timberview HS, Mansfield, TX) who added 11 points. Sisters Enya and Erin Maguire, who played their prep ball at The Hun School in New Jersey and hail from Belfast Northern Ireland, each chipped in 10 points for the Huskies. Marilyn Nzoiwu (Cedar Ridge HS, Round Rock, TX) led the Huskies in rebounds with nine.

For the Celts, starting guard Hayden Morin (Atascocita HS, Humble, TX) put 11 points on the scoreboard followed by Alilyah Macias (Lutheran North HS, Houston, TX) with nine. Jeci Gonzalez (Kempner HS, Houston TX) came of the bench to pull down five rebounds.

The win pushed the Huskies to a 5-4 record before hitting the road to take on Texas State on December 20 and the No. 19 Texas Longhorns on December 21. They will close out 2022 with a New Year's Eve matchup against New Orleans to begin Southland Conference play.

St. Thomas will next face New Orleans on December 12 on the road.

Houston Cougars overpowered by No. 18 USF in women's basketball action

HOUSTON, TEXAS (January 9, 2021) The Houston Cougars women's basketball team was overpowered by 18/19 USF on Saturday evening inside the Yuengling Center, falling to the Bulls in a 80-51 decision. Two Cougars posted double-figure efforts, led by Miya Crump with a season-high 16 points. Daphane White led Houston on the boards with six rebounds. Dymond Gladney paced Houston with three assists, adding in a team-high four steals. 

Julia Blackshell-Fair was second on the team in scoring with 10 points, also racking up four steals. 

Houston forced USF to turn the ball over a season-high 21 times. The Houston bench outscored the Bulls bench 30-29. 

 USF had five players in double-figures, led by Maria Alvarez with 21 points. USF got out to an early lead after hitting 7 of its first 11 shots from the field. Jazmaine Lewis and Julia Blackshell-Fair provided an early spark for the Cougars. Lewis cleaned up the boards and scored two early baskets off second chance opportunities and Blackshell-Fair hit the driving lanes hard in the opening minutes of play. The Cougars found a rhythm late in the frame and embarked on a 9-0 scoring run, highlighted by back-to-back points off USF turnovers and two assists from Laila Blair to take a 21-20 lead at the break. 

Houston continued to force USF to make mistakes, but a Bull scoring surge midway through the second quarter resulted in a 34-34 stalemate with 3:56 left in the half. The Bulls continued to make shots from deep, but the Cougars kept things close with a strong defensive presence. As time winded down Blackshell-Fair remained aggressive and found her way to the free throw line with only seconds remaining. After making her second attempt at the charity stripe, she snagged the Cougars seventh steal of the night. Dymond Gladney capped off the play with a lay-up as the buzzer sound. 

The Bulls stifled the Cougar offense in the third quarter, as Houston was outscored 19-5 in the frame. In the fourth quarter, the Cougars offensive struggles continued as they were outscored 17-8.

SOUTHLAND WOMEN’S BASKETBALL GAMES POSTPONED

FRISCO, TEXAS (January 9, 2020) The Southland Conference has announced the postponement of two women’s basketball games, in accordance with COVID-19 protocols.

Houston Baptist’s matchup against Lamar (January 9) and the Huskies’ game at Abilene Christian (January 13) will be rescheduled in consultation with the two opponents and the Southland office and announced at a later date.

McNeese State Cowgirls upend Central Arkansas Sugar Bears to kickoff Southland Conference schedule

Photo by
Darla S Tamulitis
La Vita Loca Photography
Copyright 2021 All Rights Reserved

By Robert H Kelly

Copyright 2021 All Rights Reserved

LAKE CHARLES, LOUISIANA (January 2, 2021) The McNeese State Cowgirls kicked off their 2021 Southland Conference schedule by downing the Central Arkansas Sugar Bears by the score of 59-45 at Burton Coliseum on Saturday afternoon. The Cowgirls (1-7) suited up only eight players, with everyone seeing action, due to injuries. 

McNeese jumped out to a 14-6 lead after 10 minutes of play; increasing their lead t0 35-15 at the half. The Sugar Bears mounted a comeback in the third quarter, outscoring McNeese 17-10. The fourth period saw -the Cowgirls hold on for a one-point advantage (14-13) to secure the win. Starting guard Kyla Hamilton (No. 12, shown above) topped the scoring with 15 points while pulling down seven rebounds; all of them on defense.

Fellow starting guards Claralee Richard  and Mychala Linzy also scored in double figures; 13 and 11 respectively. Jayla Cody came off the bench to lead the scoring for the Sugar Bears, with nine points.  Ayanna Trigg led the way in rebounds with eight (five on offense, three on defense).

Statistically, the Sugar Bears led scoring in the paint (28-22), second chance points (15-3) and off the bench scoring (19-10) and rebounds (51-25). McNeese held the edge in fast break points (21-0), field goal shooting (38%-29%), three-pointers (35%-12%) and free throws (70%-58%), and steals (17-6). The Cowgirls led the entire game, with their largest lead, 22 points, coming at the 8:52 mark of the third quarter.

Next up for McNeese is a Saturday, January 9 meeting against Northwestern State, with tip off scheduled for 1 p.m. CST at Burton Coliseum. The Sugar Bears will travel to New Orleans with a 7 p.m. start against the Privateers, on Wednesday, January 6.

Texas Southern University women's basketball game postponed

By Chris Price
Copyright 2020 All Rights Reserved

HOUSTON, TEXAS (November 26, 2020) It has been by the Texas Southern University Sports Information Department that the TSU women's basketball season opener at Tulane has been postponed. 

The game, scheduled for Friday, November 27, 2020, would have marked a rematch of last season's contest in New Orleans. Last year's game saw TSU down Tulane by the score of 72-62 on December 20, 2o019,

A make-up date was not been announced.