Vaqueros dominate in historic tournament debut, Roll past Nicholls 86-68

By Robert H Kelly
Copyright 2026 All Rights Reserved

LAKE CHARLES, LOUISIANA (March 9, 2026)  In their very first Southland Conference men's basketball tournament game, the UTRGV Vaqueros sent a loud message: "They belong here."

The No. 3 seed Vaqueros dominated from start to finish, cruising to an impressive 86–68 quarterfinal win over the Nicholls Colonels on Monday night.
UTRGV jumped out strong and never looked back. Sharp shooting and balanced scoring kept Nicholls on its heels all evening.
The Vaqueros finished the night red-hot, shooting 58.5 percent from the field and connecting on 50 percent of their three-point attempts. They were flawless at the free-throw line, going a perfect 12-for-12. Five players reached double figures as UTRGV's offense clicked on every level.
Filip Brankovic led the charge with 21 points, hitting 9 of 12 shots while adding five rebounds and three assists in a complete performance. Koree Cotton poured in 18 points and dished out five assists. Jaylen Washington added 15 points, Marvin McGhee III scored 13, and Julien Gomez contributed 12 to keep the scoring spread out.
The Vaqueros took control in the first half, building momentum and heading to the locker room with a 44–32 lead. They stayed aggressive after the break, shooting a sizzling 68 percent from the field in the second half and pushing the lead to as many as 25 points.
Nicholls grabbed a brief early lead, but UTRGV answered with a big run midway through the opening period. After that, the Vaqueros led for more than 39 minutes and never let the Colonels get closer than 10 points in the second half.
Trae English paced Nicholls with 17 points, and Jalin Rice added 13 for the Colonels.The victory improves UTRGV to 19–13 on the season and sends them into the semifinals for the first time in program history as Southland members.
Next up, the Vaqueros will take on No. 2 seed McNeese Cowboys on Tuesday at 8:30 p.m. CT. A win would put UTRGV in the conference championship game.

Michelini-Jackson erupts for career-high 28 points in Islanders' tournament win

By Robert H Kelly
Copyright 2026 All Rights Reserved

LAKE CHARLES, LOUISIANA (March 9, 2026)  Daniel Michelini-Jackson saved his best game for the biggest stage. 

The sophomore guard exploded for a career-high 28 points on Monday night, leading No. 4 Texas A&M–Corpus Christi to a 74–61 victory over No. 5 New Orleans in the quarterfinals of the 2026 Southland Conference Basketball Championships.

Michelini-Jackson, who usually scores just 4.8 points per game, was on fire from the start. He poured in 20 points in the first half alone. His scoring helped the Islanders build a solid 37–30 lead by halftime.

The Islanders played tough inside the paint too. They outrebounded New Orleans 41–29, grabbing lots of extra chances to score on second shots.

Texas A&M–Corpus Christi shot the ball well, making 52.8 percent of their field goals. They also knocked down 10 three-pointers and stayed ahead for more than 32 minutes of the game.

Sheldon Williams added 15 points for the Islanders. D.A. Houston chipped in 11 points and handed out six assists. The team pushed their lead to as many as 16 points early in the first half.

New Orleans (15–18) did not go down easily. MJ Thomas led the Privateers with 17 points and 14 rebounds. Coleton Benson also scored 17 points, and TJ Cope added 14. Midway through the second half, the Privateers cut the lead to just one point. But Corpus Christi answered right back with a strong run to seal the win.

This victory sends Texas A&M–Corpus Christi to the semifinals for the first time since 2024. The Islanders last played in the Southland Conference championship game back in 2023.

Next up, the Islanders will face top-seeded Stephen F. Austin in the semifinals on Tuesday at 6 p.m. CT.. 

Nicholls pulls away in second half to defeat UIW in tournament opener

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)  The No. 7 seeded Nicholls Colonels used a huge second half to defeat the No. 6 seed UIW Cardinals 81–55 on Monday afternoon in the opening round of the 2026 Air Force Reserve Southland Conference Women's Basketball Championships.

The win marks the second straight year the Colonels have earned a first-round victory as the No. 7 seed in the conference tournament.

Nicholls trailed by one point at halftime, 27–26, after a tight first half. Both teams struggled to create separation, and the Cardinals held a small edge heading into the break.

The game changed quickly in the third quarter.

Nicholls came out with strong energy and took control of the game. The Colonels outscored UIW 31–14 in the quarter and shot an impressive 66.7 percent from the field. They were also perfect at the free-throw line, making all 11 attempts during the period. By the end of the third quarter, Nicholls had built a comfortable double-digit lead.

The Colonels kept the momentum going in the fourth quarter. Their lead grew to as many as 26 points as they closed out the game in dominant fashion.

Sh’Diamond McKnight (No. 11, shown above) led Nicholls with a strong all-around performance. She scored 29 points on 9-of-15 shooting and went 10-for-11 from the free-throw line. McKnight also added three assists and three steals.

Anyra Wilson contributed 14 points and three assists, while Jesslynn Jalomo finished with nine points and four rebounds.

Nicholls shot 50 percent from the field and made 21 of its 23 free throws. The Colonels also forced 18 turnovers, turning those mistakes into 26 points.

UIW (13–17) was led by Brynn Lusby with 22 points. Madison Cockrell added 16 points. The Cardinals struggled from long distance, making just two of their 22 three-point attempts.

With the win, Nicholls moves on to face No. 3 seed Stephen F. Austin Ladyjacks basketball in the quarterfinals Tuesday at 1:30 p.m. on ESPN+.

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.

Nicholls Colonels downs Northwestern State to advance in Southland Conference tournament

By Robert H Kelly
Copyright 2026 All Rights Reserved

LAKE CHARLES, LOUISIANA (March 8, 202) Nicholls Colonels used a strong defensive effort to defeat the Northwestern State Demons 61–47 on Sunday night in the opening round of the Southland Conference Men's Basketball Tournament at Townsley Law Arena.

The win was powered by one of Nicholls’ best defensive performances of the season. The Colonels held Northwestern State to just 28.6 percent shooting from the field and kept the Demons under 25 points in both halves. The 47 points allowed marked the fewest points Nicholls has given up in a game this season.

With the victory, Nicholls improved to 14–18 on the year and moved on to face the UTRGV Vaqueros men's basketball in the tournament quarterfinals.

Offensively, the Colonels had several players step up. Sincere Malone led the team with 14 points and added three steals. Jalik Dunkley (No. 22, shown above) scored 13 points and grabbed seven rebounds, while Jalin Rice finished with 12 points on an efficient 5-of-8 shooting performance. Jaylen Searles added nine points, and Grant Sanders contributed seven rebounds and four assists.

The game started slowly for both teams. Nicholls struggled to find its rhythm early and shot just 35.7 percent in the first half. Despite the slow start, the Colonels held a narrow 25–24 lead at halftime. Rice scored on a layup with 16 seconds left in the half to give Nicholls the one-point edge heading into the break.

Nicholls controlled the second half from the start. The Colonels held the lead throughout the period but finally pulled away midway through the half. Leading 40–34, Searles and Christian Winborne scored back-to-back baskets in the paint to extend the lead.

Moments later, Malone came up with a steal and raced down the court for a fast-break layup. He then knocked down a three-pointer to push the lead into double digits. Sanders later found Rice for a basket and a free throw, giving Nicholls a comfortable 51–35 advantage.

The Colonels kept the lead in double figures during the final eight minutes to secure the victory. Nicholls also completed a season sweep over Northwestern State with the win.

For the Demons, Izzy Miles led the team with 14 points, while Landyn Jumawan added 12 points. Despite those efforts, Northwestern State could not overcome the strong defense from Nicholls.

HCU ends Southland Conference tournament play with loss to New Orleans

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 8, 2026) The season came to an end for the Houston Christian University Huskies on Sunday night after a 73–60 loss to the New Orleans Privateers in the first round of the Southland Conference Men's Basketball Tournament. The game was played at Townsley Law Arena on the campus of McNeese State University.

HCU stayed close early and trailed by just one point at halftime, 34–33. However, a strong second-half run by New Orleans helped the Privateers pull away and end the Huskies’ season.

New Orleans jumped out to a quick 6–2 lead early in the game, but Houston Christian responded with a strong run. A jumper by Trent Johnson and back-to-back three-pointers from D'Aundre Samuels (No. 5, shown above) helped the Huskies take an 18–14 lead midway through the first half.

The teams traded baskets through the rest of the half. Samuels continued his hot shooting and knocked down his third three-pointer late in the period. Houston Christian stayed within striking distance, and a short jumper by Kylin Green just before halftime cut the deficit to 34–33 at the break.

Houston Christian briefly took the lead early in the second half after a basket by Ryan Bartley. But New Orleans quickly answered with a big scoring run. The Privateers used a 12–0 stretch over three minutes to build a 46–35 lead. That run gave New Orleans control of the game.

The Huskies tried to fight back in the second half. A three-pointer by Samuels and a basket inside from Demarco Bethea  helped trim the lead, but the Privateers kept their advantage in double digits for most of the final period.

Houston Christian made one last push late in the game. A layup by Bethea and a three-pointer by Johnson cut the deficit to 10 points with less than two minutes to play. However, that was as close as the Huskies would get.

Houston Christian shot 50 percent in the first half but cooled off in the second. The Huskies finished the game shooting 40 percent overall, while New Orleans shot 46 percent. The Privateers also controlled the boards, holding a 43–27 rebounding advantage and winning second-chance points 11–0.

Samuels led the Huskies with 20 points while hitting four three-pointers. Green added 13 points and four assists, and Bethea finished with 11 points. Bartley chipped in nine points, four rebounds, and three assists.

New Orleans was led by Jakevion Buckley and Coleton Benson, who each scored 14 points. MJ Thomas recorded a double-double with 10 points and 12 rebounds.

The loss ended the Huskies’ season with a 12–20 record in their second year under head coach Craig Doty. Meanwhile, New Orleans improved to 15–17 and advanced to the tournament quarterfinals.

Houston Dash sign Cate Hardin for 2026 Season

Photo courtesy of Houston Dynamo FC 

By Robert H Kelly
Copyright 2026 All Rights Reserved

HOUSTON, TEXAS (March 5, 2026)  The Houston Dash announced the signing of defender Cate Hardin (shown left) for the 2026 season, adding a young defender who impressed the club during preseason.

Hardin joined Houston earlier this year as a non-roster invitee after finishing her college career at the University of Georgia. She traveled with the team to California for the Coachella Valley Invitational and earned a spot on the club’s preseason roster on January 26. The 22-year-old will wear No. 18 for the Dash this season.

Hardin finished her senior season in 2025 as one of Georgia’s most important players. She started all 21 matches and led all Bulldogs field players with 1,723 minutes on the field. Her strong season earned her Second Team All-SEC honors in the Southeastern Conference.

Even as a defender, Hardin helped the Bulldogs in attack. She led the team with four assists and finished third on the team with 31 shots and nine shots on goal. She also scored a game-winning goal on the road against Texas A&M Aggies women's soccer.

During her four years at Georgia, Hardin appeared in 81 matches and made 70 starts. She played more than 5,900 minutes and helped lead a defense that recorded 17 shutouts. The Bulldogs also ranked among the conference leaders in several defensive stats during her time with the team.

Hardin also stood out in the classroom. She earned Academic All-District honors twice and was a three-time member of the SEC Academic Honor Roll.

Now, Hardin will look to bring her strong defense, leadership, and work ethic to Houston as she begins her professional career with the Dash.

Houston Dynamo FC fall to LAFC 2-0 in heartbreaking loss

Dynamo MF Ondrej Lingr (9) and LAFC MF Mark Delgad0 (9) battle for the ball.
Photo by Darla S Tamulitis, La Vita Loca Photography
Copyright 2026 All Rights Reserved 

By Robert H Kelly
Copyright 2026 All Rights Reserved

HOUSTON, TEXAS (February 28, 2026)  The Houston Dynamo FC fell by the score of 2-0 to Los Angeles FC on Saturday night at Shell Energy Stadium. Houston ended the match with just nine players after two red cards changed the game.

Defender and captain Antônio Carlos was sent off in first-half stoppage time. He was ruled to have fouled Son Heung-Min just outside the box. Down a man, Houston tried to hold off LAFC’s attack. In the 76th minute, midfielder Agustín Bouzat was also shown a red card after another foul on Son during a breakaway. That left the Dynamo with nine players for the final stretch.

LAFC broke through in the 56th minute. Marco Delgado scored with a strong shot from outside the box to make it 1-0. Stephen Eustaquio added a second goal in the 82nd minute, placing his shot into the bottom left corner.

Despite the loss, Houston had some bright moments. Goalkeeper Jonathan Bond made four saves, including two big stops in the 37th minute. He first denied Denis Bouanga and then quickly blocked a shot from Son. Bond also made a brave save early in the second half to keep the score close.

The Dynamo goalkeeper stated after the match:

We are disappointed with the result. It is always difficult when you go down to 10 players and even more difficult when you go down to nine. It is always disappointing to lose at home, but in these circumstances, I believe we put in a good effort to stay in the match and there were some plays we can be proud of.

Houston nearly scored in the 47th minute when Bouzat fired a shot from near midfield that hit the crossbar. Later, Lawrence Ennali forced a diving save from Hugo Lloris in the 86th minute.

The night also featured key debuts. Fifteen-year-old Matthew Arana became the youngest player in club history to appear in a match. Rookie defender Agustin Resch made his first-team debut as well. Club legend Héctor Herrera returned to action for the first time since 2024, drawing loud cheers from the home crowd.

Houston Dash Play to 1-1 Draw with Portland Thorns FC in CVI Finale

Photo courtesy of Houston Dash/Houston Dynamo FC 

By Chris Price
Copyright 2026 All Rights Reserved

INDIO, CALIFORINA  (February 21, 2026) The Houston Dash closed out the Coachella Valley Invitational on Saturday with a 1-1 draw against Portland Thorns FC. Houston showed strong effort on both ends of the field in its final preseason match of the tournament.

The Dash broke through early in the second half. In the 65th minute, defender Leah Klenke sent a cross into the box. Midfielder Linda Ullmark met the ball with a header. The ball deflected off a Portland defender and into the net for an own goal, giving Houston a 1-0 lead.

Portland answered quickly. Just one minute later, forward Deyna Castellanos scored from near midfield to tie the match at 1-1.

Houston had several chances before and after the goals. In the 37th minute, forward Makenzy Robbe fired a shot toward the middle of the net, but the goalkeeper made the save. Moments later, Klenke delivered a long pass to forward Yazmeen Ryan, whose shot sailed just over the crossbar.

The Dash continued to push in the second half. In the 55th minute, Kate Faasse connected with Robbe inside the box, but her shot was stopped at the near post. Houston nearly grabbed the lead late in the 80th minute when Allysha Chapman crossed the ball to Kat Rader, but Rader’s header went just wide.

Goalkeeper Caroline DeLisle made a key save in the 85th minute to keep the match level.

Dash head coach Fabrice Gautrat  was quoted after the match:

 "Overall, a really good performance, players ramping up their minutes. There were some good performances from our young and veteran players. We're still working out some kinks, but overall, really pleased." 

 

Houston will next travel to face Dallas Trinity FC at Cotton Bowl Stadium on Feb. 28. The Dash open the regular season on March 14 against San Diego Wave FC before hosting Boston Legacy FC on March 21 at Shell Energy Stadium.

Ben Olsen: Houston Dynamo FC vs. Chicago Fire FC Post match press conference. February 21, 2026

Video by Robert H Kelly. TexSport Publications

Copyright 2026 All Rights Reserved

 

Houston Dynamo FC opens season with 2-1 win over Chicago Fire FC

By Robert H Kelly
Copyright 2026 All Rights Reserved

HOUSTON, TEXAS (February 21, 2026) Houston Dynamo FC kicked off the 2026 MLS season in style on Saturday night, earning a 2-1 victory over Chicago Fire FC at Shell Energy Stadium. Brazilian attacker Guilherme Santos stole the show with two second-half goals in his club debut.

The win improved Houston’s all-time MLS home opener record to 11-2-8.

Chicago struck first in the 31st minute when forward Hugo Cuypers scored from close range to give the Fire a 1-0 lead. Houston had chances before halftime but could not find the equalizer.

The Dynamo broke through in the 67th minute. Midfielder Jack McGlynn delivered a perfect pass into space for Guilherme, who dribbled into the box and calmly placed the ball into the bottom left corner to tie the match.

Guilherme was not done. In the 78th minute, a rebound from forward Ezequiel Ponce fell kindly in front of goal. Guilherme reacted quickly and slid a left-footed shot between the goalkeeper’s legs for the game-winner.

With his two goals, Guilherme became just the third player in club history to score multiple goals in his Dynamo debut and the first since 2020.

Houston’s new-look roster was on full display. Midfielder Mateusz Bogusz, midfielder Agustín Bouzat, defender Lucas Halter and fullback Franco Negri all made their club debuts. Defender Antônio Carlos wore the captain’s armband in place of injured Artur.

Goalkeeper Jonathan Bond made two key saves to keep the Fire from extending their lead, including a strong stop in the first half.

The Dynamo will continue their season-opening homestand next Sunday against Los Angeles FC, with kickoff set for 7:30 p.m. CT at Shell Energy Stadium.

Breezy Johnson wins Olympic Gold after long road back

Photo courtesy of US Ski and Snowboarding 

By Robert H Kelly

Copyright 2026 All Rights Reserved

CORTINA D’AMPEZZO, ITALY (February 8, 2026)  Breezy Johnson’s journey came full circle on one of skiing’s most famous slopes. Four years after a painful crash at Cortina ended her Olympic dreams, the American skier returned and won gold in the women’s downhill at the 2026 Winter Olympics.

Johnson finished the race in 1:36.10, earning the first gold medal of her career and the first medal for Team USA at these Games. The 30-year-old skier showed fearlessness from start to finish, attacking the course with speed and confidence. At times, snow sprayed from her skis as she pushed the limits of control. She reached a top speed of 80 miles per hour.

Downhill skiing is known as one of the most dangerous events in the Olympics, and Johnson’s run showed why. She took bold risks, sometimes drifting outside the blue lines that mark the course. Those chances paid off. She gained time at nearly every checkpoint and crossed the finish line in first place.

Germany’s Emma Aicher came close, winning silver with a time of 1:36.14, just four-hundredths of a second behind Johnson. Italy’s Sofia Goggia took bronze in 1:36.69, earning a medal on her home slope.

This was Johnson’s third time qualifying for the Olympics, but only her second time competing. In 2022, she tore her ACL just weeks before the Games. She tried to return, but another crash in Cortina caused more injury and ended her season.

HCU Huskies falls at home to UTRGV 65-53

By Robert H Kelly
Copyright 2026 All Rights Reserved

HOUSTON, TEXAS (January 24, 2026) The HCU Huskies women’s basketball team fought hard but dropped a 65–53 decision to the UT Rio Grande Valley Vaqueros on Saturday at Sharp Gym in Houston. The Huskies stayed close early, but UTRGV pulled away in the second half to secure the win.

HCU started the game with energy. Early in the first quarter, Madison Hurta and Grace Booth both hit three-pointers that helped the Huskies keep the score tight. HCU led at times and stayed close through the first quarter, ending it 13–12.

In the second quarter, HCU continued to score with baskets from Dasia Hyams and Kamryn McLaurin. But the Vaqueros answered with strong shooting from the outside and second-chance points. A big 11–2 run by UTRGV gave them a 32–27 lead at halftime.

UTRGV took control in the third quarter behind strong plays inside the paint. HCU tried to stay close, with Booth and Hurta scoring, but the Vaqueros kept their lead, going into the fourth quarter up 50–42.

In the final quarter, UTRGV hit back-to-back three-pointers that stretched the lead to double digits. Hurta and Jordan Jackson hit shots for HCU, but the Huskies could not cut the gap enough to win.

Booth and Hurta finished as HCU’s top scorers with 11 points each. Tove Caesar added eight and McLaurin scored seven off the bench. Hyams had six points and four rebounds.

HCU will travel to Edinburg to face the Vaqueros again on Thursday, January 29 at 6:30 p.m. in a key Southland Conference rematch.

TAAF Winter Games of Texas kick off January 17 in Victoria

By Chris Price
Copyright 2026 All Rights Reserved

VICTORIA, TEXAS (January 3, 2025) Two weeks from today, Victoria will once again take center stage for amateur sports when it hosts the opening weekend of the 2026 Texas Amateur Athletic Federation (TAAF) Winter Games of Texas on January 17-18. The event gives local residents and visitors the opportunity to watch some of the state’s top amateur athletes.

Competitions during the first weekend include disc golf at Riverside Park, cornhole at Texas A&M University-Victoria’s Galvan Community Hall, golf at Riverside Golf Course, and swimming at the Victoria ISD Aquatics Center. Events will begin throughout the day, with start times varying by sport. 

Hosted in Victoria since 2022, the TAAF Winter Games are expected to attract between 1,500 and 2,000 visitors over two weekends. 

Texas State dominate Rice Owls in Armed Forces Bowl

By Robert H Kelly
Copyright 2026 All Rights Reserved

FORT WORTH, TEXAS (January 3, 2026) On Friday, January 2, 2026, the Texas State Bobcats overwhelmed the Rice Owls in the 23rd annual Lockheed Martin Armed Forces Bowl at Amon G. Carter Stadium. The Bobcats, representing the Sun Belt Conference, secured a convincing 41-10 victory over their in-state rivals from Conference USA.

The Armed Forces Bowl, one of the marquee postseason games concluding the 2025 FBS season, blends college football with patriotic celebrations honoring U.S. military service members. Sponsored by aerospace and defense giant Lockheed Martin, the bowl showcases not only athletic competition but also flyovers, parachute demonstrations and tributes to all six branches of the armed forces.

Texas State entered the game with a 6-6 record after closing the regular season with a three-game winning streak. Under head coach G.J. Kinne, the Bobcats’ balanced offense and opportunistic defense set the tone early, building a lead that Rice could not recover from. Rice, which finished the year 5-7 and only received a bowl invitation after other eligible teams declined, struggled to find offensive traction against a disciplined Bobcats unit.

Despite the lopsided score, the event had its share of dramatic moments off the field. One of the pregame parachutists became briefly entangled in equipment above the end zone before descending safely to the ground, an alarming sight that fortunately resulted in no reported injuries.