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.

HCU Huskies outlast The Citadel 72-65

Photo courtesy of HCU Media Relations 

By Chris Price
Copyright 2025 All Rights Reserved

CHARLESTON, SOUTH CAROLINA (November 26, 2025) The HCU Huskies men's basketball team raced out fast and never let up, beating The Citadel Bulldogs 72–65 on Wednesday night to split the back-to-back series in Charleston. 

The Huskies opened hot. An early three-point play by Kylin Green (shown above right) and quick buckets from Demarco Bethea pushed their lead to 14–5. Moments later, a loud one-handed dunk by Mambourou Mara made it 19–5 with about 12 minutes left in the first half.

The Bulldogs fought back before halftime. Consecutive threes from one of their players and a last-second jumper cut the lead to just 3 by intermission; 35–32.

In the second half, the Huskies built a bigger advantage. A three from Green, a basket by Bethea, and a triple from Trent Johnson pushed the lead to 7. Later, three-pointers from Mara and Elijah Brooks made it a double-digit lead and forced a Citadel timeout.

The Bulldogs came back, tying the game 60–60 with about 5:40 left. But Houston Christian closed strong. Brooks scored inside, Green buried a late three, and Mara added a three-point play after a rebound. A final 12–5 run sealed the win for the Huskies.

On the night, Bethea led HCU with 14 points (perfect shooting), while Green scored 13, Mara had 12, Brooks added 11, and Johnson chipped in 10. All five scored in double digits.

The Huskies now improve to 4–2 on the season. Their five-game road stretch continues Saturday when they take on Georgia Southern Eagles in Georgia.

UIW upsets Southeastern Louisiana in OT in Southland Conference Tournament

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 9, 2025) In a thrilling overtime match at the Legacy Center in Lake Charles, No. 7 ranked University of the Incarnate Word  Cardinals secured an historic 71-

67 win over the number 6 ranked Southeastern Louisiana Lions in the Jersey Mike's Southland Conference Tournament's first round. This win marks UIW's first-ever triumph in the Southland Tournament.

The Cardinals were propelled by standout performances from guards Davion Bailey (No. 5, shown above) and Jalin Anderson, each contributing 20 points. Bailey showcased his shooting prowess by sinking six three-pointers, including two crucial ones in overtime that shifted the game's momentum. Anderson added seven assists to his 20-point tally, orchestrating the offense with precision.

Forward Dylan Hayman also played a pivotal role, adding 16 points and grabbing six rebounds. His consistent play provided stability on both ends of the court.

The game began with UIW dominating early, establishing a 29-11 lead. However, Southeastern Louisiana responded with resilience, eventually taking a four-point lead in the second half. The contest featured seven ties and 17 lead changes, highlighting the intensity and competitiveness of both teams.

For the Lions, Sam Hines Jr. delivered an impressive performance, leading all scorers with 27 points and securing eight rebounds. Jakevion Buckley and Jeremy Elyzee contributed 13 and 12 points, respectively, showcasing the team's depth.

With this victory, UIW improves to a 17-15 overall record and advances to face the No. 3 in the tournament's next round. The Cardinals aim to build on this historic win as they continue their pursuit of the conference championship.

Texas A&M-Corpus Christi downs HCU Huskies 62-48 in SLC Tourney

Story and photo by Robert H Kelly
Copyright 2025 All Rights Reserved

LAKE CHARLES, LOUISIANA (March 9, 2025) The 2025 Jersey Mike's Southland Conference Basketball Tournament kicked off today at the Legacy Center in Lake Charles, Louisiana. In the opening game, the No. 5 seed Texas A&M-Corpus Christi Islanders secured a decisive 62-48 victory over the No. 8 seed Houston Christian University Huskies.

The Islanders showcased a balanced offense, with multiple players contributing significantly to the scoreboard. Their defense was equally impressive, limiting the Huskies to under 50 points. This win propels the Islanders into the quarterfinals, where they will face the No. 4 seed Northwestern State Demons on Monday, March 10, at 5 p.m.

Northwestern State enters the tournament on a four-game winning streak, reflecting strong late-season form. Head Coach Rick Cabrera expressed confidence in his team's preparation and resilience, emphasizing their readiness for the challenges ahead.

The tournament's top seeds, McNeese State and Lamar University, hold the No. 1 and No. 2 spots, respectively. Both teams have earned double byes, advancing them directly to the semifinals. McNeese State, boasting a 25-6 overall record and a dominant 19-1 conference run, is led by standout guards Javohn Garcia, Sincere Parker, and DJ Richards Jr., all averaging over ten points per game.

Lamar University secured their No. 2 seed with a recent 65-53 victory over Nicholls, showcasing strong performances from players like Alexis Marmolejos and Ja'Sean Jackson.

The tournament continues with the second first-round game tonight at 7:30 p.m., featuring the No. 6 seed Southeastern Louisiana Lions against the No. 7 seed University of the Incarnate Word Cardinals. The winner will advance to face No. 3 seed Nicholls in the quarterfinals.

Fans can anticipate an exciting week of basketball as teams vie for the Southland Conference title and an automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament.

HCU Huskies hold off Islanders in exciting win

Story and photo by Robert H Kelly

Copyright 2025 All Rights Reserved

HOUSTON, TEXAS (January 20, 2025)  Houston Christian University jumped out to an early lead and held on for a 76-72 win against the Texas A&M-Corpus Christi Islanders on Monday night at Sharp Gym. The Huskies stopped the Islanders’ six-game winning streak and ended their homestand with a solid 3-1 record.

HCU started strong, building a 16-point lead in the first half. Julian Mackey and Elijah Brooks led the charge, combining for 23 first-half points. The Huskies' defense also shined, forcing 18 turnovers and scoring 21 points off steals. At halftime, HCU led 45-32.

The Islanders fought back in the second half, cutting the lead to four with 8:59 left. Jordan Roberts sparked the comeback with 11 straight points, including three three-pointers. However, the Huskies stayed steady. Mackey scored seven straight points to push the lead back to seven, and HCU sealed the game by hitting 9 of 12 free throws in the final minutes.

Mackey led all scorers with 19 points and added three blocks. Brooks scored 16, hitting 8 of 12 from the free-throw line. Trent Johnson had a career-high 13 points, and D’Aundre Samuels added 12 points and tied for the game-high with three steals.

The Islanders also had four players in double figures. Roberts scored 14 points off the bench, while Isaac Williams added 13. Gary Clark had 11 points, seven rebounds, and three assists, and Stephen Giwa chipped in 10 points and a game-high eight rebounds.

HCU shot 42% from three-point range and 77% from the free-throw line, which proved to be the difference. TAMUCC shot 47% from the floor but struggled at the free-throw line, hitting just 57%.

The win pushes HCU to 8-11 overall and 5-3 in Southland Conference play. Next up, the Huskies hit the road for four straight games, starting Saturday against the University of New Orleans.

HCU falls to Northern Arizona in a heartbreaker, 74-71

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

HOUSTON, TEXAS (November 27, 2024)  The Houston Christian University Huskies started strong but couldn’t hold off a second-half comeback by Northern Arizona University (NAU), losing 74-71 on Thanksgiving Eve at Sharp Gymnasium. The Huskies led by two with less than two minutes left, but NAU’s Trenton McLaughlin hit a game-winning three-pointer with two seconds remaining.

HCU came out firing, building a 24-8 lead midway through the first half, thanks to a 15-point burst by Elijah Brooks. Julian Mackey joined in, helping the Huskies stretch their lead to 40-23 at halftime. HCU shot 60% in the first half while holding NAU to just 33%.

The second half, however, belonged to the Lumberjacks. A 17-2 run cut HCU’s lead to 57-53 with 10 minutes left. NAU’s hot shooting continued, and they tied the game late. Mackey’s jumper briefly gave HCU the lead, but McLaughlin’s step-back three sealed the win for NAU.

Despite the loss, Brooks and Mackey had career nights, combining for 57 points. Brooks scored 29 on 13-17 shooting, while Mackey added 28 with eight rebounds.

HCU falls to 2-5 after their third straight close loss. The Huskies will look to bounce back Saturday against UTSA in San Antonio, with tip-off set for 3 p.m.

HCU Huskies fall to Tarleton State despite big night from Tullis

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

HOUSTON, TEXAS (November 26, 2024)  The HCU women's basketball team fought hard but couldn’t hold off a late Tarleton State comeback, dropping a 48-42 decision at Sharp Gymnasium on Tuesday night.

The Huskies (1-4) started strong, holding Tarleton State (3-3) scoreless for most of the first quarter to lead 9-4. The Texans turned the game around with an 11-0 run early in the second, including two three-pointers by Miannah Little. HCU answered with baskets from Tiffany Tullis, Erin Maguire, and Jo Oly, regaining the lead before Tarleton edged ahead 23-21 at halftime.

HCU came out firing in the third quarter, with Kierra Prim scoring six points during a nine-point run. The Huskies led 36-29 heading into the fourth. But Tarleton surged back, scoring seven straight points and holding HCU without a basket for over four minutes.

Despite Tullis’ layup and Oly’s clutch basket in the final minute, the Huskies couldn’t convert their late chances. Tarleton sealed the win with free throws.

Tullis had a standout night, finishing with 10 points and a career-high 20 rebounds, the most by an HCU player since 2016. Oly also posted a double-double with 11 points and 11 rebounds.

The Huskies dominated the boards, 40-30, but were hurt by 23 turnovers. HCU will look to bounce back Sunday when they host Southwestern at 3 p.m. in Sharp Gym.

HCU Huskies come up short against Eastern Michigan

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

HOUSTON, TEXAS (November 25, 2024) The Houston Christian University Huskies men's basketball team came close to an incredible comeback but fell just short, losing 74-73 to Eastern Michigan University on Monday night at Sharp Gym.

Down by 16 points with less than nine minutes left, the Huskies caught fire. D’Aundre Samuels led the charge, hitting four three-pointers in four minutes, pulling HCU back into the game. Elijah Brooks gave the Huskies their first lead since the first half with a fast break layup and a free throw, putting them up 68-67 with two minutes left.

But EMU didn’t back down. Da’Sean Nelson and Jalen Terry helped the Eagles regain control, with Terry’s two free throws proving to be the game-winners. HCU had a chance in the final seconds, but Julian Mackey’s last-second three-pointer missed, sealing the Huskies’ fate.

HCU shot an impressive 51% from the field and 45% from beyond the arc. Brooks led the Huskies with 17 points, while Samuels added a season-high 15. Bryson Dawkins and Mackey chipped in 12 and 10 points, respectively.

EMU, now 4-2, was led by Nelson’s 19 points and Terry’s 18. The Eagles shot 57% overall, and their free throws made the difference.

The Huskies, now 2-4, wrap up their homestand on Wednesday night against Northern Arizona University at 7 p.m. at Sharp Gym.

HCU Huskies pull away late to defeat Rockford, 84-64

Story and photo by Robert H Kelly

Copyright 2024 All Rights Reserved

HOUSTON, TEXAS (November 16, 2024)
The Houston Christian University Huskies opened their four-game homestand with a strong 84-64 win over Rockford University on Saturday night at Sharp Gym. The Huskies finished the game on a dominant run, holding the Regents to just 14 points in the final 11 minutes.

HCU jumped out to an early 15-6 lead, highlighted by a three-pointer from Julian Mackey. Rockford responded with a 9-2 run, cutting the lead to 17-15 before the Huskies pushed back. A dunk from Elijah Brooks and a three-pointer by Peyton Rogers helped the Huskies head into halftime with a 44-36 lead.

The Regents fought hard after the break, pulling within three points at 48-45. Rockford stayed close until HCU took control midway through the second half. A 12-4 run sparked by a Porter Bazil three-pointer and seven points from Brooks stretched the lead to double digits. A crowd-pleasing alley-oop from Brooks to Bryson Dawkins sealed the game in the final minutes.

Brooks led all scorers with 21 points, six rebounds, and three assists. Dawkins tied his career-high with 18 points and five rebounds. Rogers added 13 points, including three three-pointers.

The win evened HCU’s record at 2-2. They will look to build momentum when they face cross-town rival Rice University next Friday at 7 p.m. in Sharp Gym.

Duke Blue Devils upset No. 1 seed Houston in Sweet 16 matchup

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

DALLAS, TEXAS (March 29, 2024) In a stunning showdown at the American Airlines Center, the Duke Blue Devils secured a thrilling victory over the Houston Cougars, 54-51, propelling them into the Elite Eight of the NCAA men's tournament. The game, however, was clouded by an unfortunate injury to Jamal Shead, the standout player for Houston.

Despite being the No. 4 seed, Duke faced off against top-seeded Houston, a formidable opponent with a 32-5 overall record. Shead's injury early in the first half changed the course of the game, giving Duke an opportunity to showcase their offensive prowess.

Led by coach Jon Scheyer, Duke's young team rose to the occasion. Kyle Filipowski, a sophomore 7-footer, delivered a standout performance with 16 points, while senior point guard Jeremy Roach added 14 points, including several crucial shots in the second half.

Although Duke managed to maintain a lead throughout the game, Houston remained within striking distance. With just over a minute remaining, Duke's defense stepped up, securing steals and crucial baskets to maintain their lead.

Despite Houston's valiant efforts, Duke's sharpshooting from beyond the arc ultimately made the difference. Duke's 3-point shooting, going 6-of-17, outpaced Houston's 2-of-8, securing their victory and advancing them to the next round.

Now, Duke prepares to face familiar foes in NC State in the Elite Eight. Having split their previous matchups this season, the Blue Devils are gearing up for a showdown against the resilient NC State team, who is enjoying their first Final Four appearance since 1983.

UAB Blazers win American Athletic Conference title

Photo credit: American Athletic Conference, Used with permission

By Chris Price
Copyright 2024 All Rights Reserved

FORT WORTH, TEXAS (March 17, 2024) In a thrilling showdown at Dickies Arena in Fort Worth, Texas, the No. 4 UAB Blazers clinched their first-ever American Athletic Conference Men’s Basketball Championship with an impressive 85-69 victory over the No. 11 Temple Owls.

The Blazers' Alejandro Vasquez lit up the court with an astounding 29 points, 21 of which he scored in a jaw-dropping first half performance. Vasquez's hot hand included sinking five remarkable 3-pointers, matching the championship record for most 3's in a single half. Meanwhile, Yaxel Lendeborg's stellar play throughout the tournament earned him the title of Most Outstanding Player, sealing the deal with his third double-double, racking up 14 points and an incredible 16 rebounds in the championship game. Lendeborg's dominance on the boards set a new championship record, surpassing the previous mark set in 2018.

Despite Temple's Hysier Miller's valiant effort, pouring in an impressive 32 points, it wasn't enough to overcome UAB's commanding lead. Miller's remarkable tournament performance saw him break records left and right, amassing 96 points over five games, as well as dishing out a record-breaking six assists in the championship game.

From the opening tip-off, UAB seized control of the game, storming to a 22-12 lead and maintaining their dominance to enter halftime with a commanding 43-27 advantage. Although Temple fought back to narrow the gap in the second half, UAB's lead proved insurmountable, securing their historic victory.

With the championship celebrations still echoing, attention swiftly turned to the 2024 NCAA Tournament. UAB earned a No. 12 seed and will clash with the No. 5 seed San Diego State in Spokane, Wash., while Florida Atlantic secured a No. 8 seed and will face off against No. 9 seed Northwestern in Brooklyn, N.Y.

HCU names Craig Doty as men's head basketball coach

Photo courtesy of HCU Media Relations Department 

By Robert H Kelly
Copyright 2024 All Rights Reserved

HOUSTON, TEXAS (March 15, 2024) Craig Doty (shown above), a highly accomplished coach with a history of success, has been appointed as the new head coach for the men's basketball program at Houston Christian University. Doty's hiring was announced by HCU President Dr. Robert B. Sloan and Director of Athletics Steve Moniaci, who expressed their enthusiasm for the new addition to the coaching staff.

Doty brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record to the role, having previously coached at Emporia State, where he achieved remarkable results. Under his leadership, the Emporia State Hornets experienced their best season in program history, boasting a 23-9 record. Doty's coaching prowess was evident as he guided the team to back-to-back 20+ win seasons, securing their first-ever NCAA Tournament win along the way.

Not only did Doty prioritize success on the court, but he also emphasized the importance of academic achievement and community involvement. During his tenure at Emporia State, the team's GPA improved significantly, with players consistently achieving above a 3.0 GPA. Additionally, the team ranked first in NCAA Division II men's basketball for service hours, highlighting their commitment to making a positive impact beyond the court.

In his previous coaching stints at Graceland University and Rock Valley College, Doty also left an indelible mark, leading both teams to national championships and earning numerous coaching accolades along the way.

McNeese State kicks off 2024 SLC Men's Basketball Championship on Tuesday

By Chris Price
Copyright 2024 All Rights Reserved

LAKE CHARLES, LOUISIANA (March 11, 2024) The No. 1 ranked McNeese State Cowboys kick off their journey in the 2024 Southland Conference Men's Basketball Championship this Tuesday at 5:30 p.m. The Cowboys will face off against No. 4 Lamar Cardinals, who downed No. 8 New Orleans 71-57 on Monday afternoon.

Having clinched the 2024 SLC regular-season championship, McNeese is on a mission to secure its first tournament title in over two decades. This would mark the third overall tournament victory for the team and earn them their third bid to the NCAA Tournament in school history.

The Cowboys have been on fire this season, boasting an impressive 28-3 record, setting a new school record for wins in a single season. Their dominance places them with the second-most regular-season victories in Southland Conference history, just trailing behind Stephen F. Austin's 29 wins in 2013-14.

Within the conference, McNeese has been a force to reckon with, tallying a remarkable 17-1 record. This achievement ties the school record for most league wins in a season, matching their performance from 2000-01 and 2001-02. Furthermore, this places them tied as the second-most in league history, alongside Stephen F. Austin's 18 wins in 2013-14.

Heading into Tuesday's game, McNeese carries a nine-game winning streak, marking the second time this season they have achieved such a feat. This places them among the top teams in the NCAA, with only a select few managing to achieve this level of consistency throughout the season.

Texas A&M-Commerce tops Northwestern State, 69-64

Photo by
Darla S. Tamulitis, La Vita Loca Photography
Copyright 2024 All Rights Reserved

By Robert Kelly
Copyright 2024 All Rights Reserved

LAKE CHARLES,LOUISIANA (March 10, 2024) In a thrilling matchup, the seventh-seeded Texas A&M-Commerce Lions secured a historic win in the first round of the 2024 Jersey Mike's Southland Conference Men's Basketball Championship. They defeated the sixth-seeded Northwestern State Demons with a final score of 69-64.

This victory is significant for the Commerce men's program as it marks their first win in this tournament since joining the SLC last season. With a record of 13-19, the Lions now advance to the quarterfinal round to face third-seeded Nicholls, while the Demons end their season with a 9-23 record.

Leading the charge for Commerce were Kalen Williams, Kwo Agwa, and Tommie Lewis, who each scored in double figures. Williams led the team with 19 points, followed by Agwa with 16 points and Lewis with 15 points.

Despite a strong performance from NSU's Justin Wilson, who scored 20 points and grabbed nine rebounds, the Demons couldn't hold off the Lions' determined effort.

The game saw both teams trading leads throughout, with Commerce making a comeback in the second half. A key moment came when KC Ugwuakazi tied the game at 53-53 with a layup, followed by Khaliq Abdul-Mateen's three-pointer, giving Commerce a crucial lead.

Although the Demons regained the lead late in the game, Commerce rallied back with an 8-0 run in the final minutes, securing the victory. Agwa's clutch play, including a crucial putback, helped seal the win for the Lions.

Both teams showed their strength in the paint, combining for a total of 84 points scored inside. In the end, Commerce's solid defense, including a shot-clock violation forced on the Demons, and their accurate free-throw shooting helped them clinch the win.

New Orleans upsets Southeastern 78-66 in opening game of Southland Conference Tournament

Photo by Darla S Tamulitis, La Vita Loca Photography
Copyright 2024 All Rights Reserved

Story and photo by Robert H Kelly

Copyright 2024 All Rights Reserved

LAKE CHARLES, LOUISIANA (March 10, 2024) In a thrilling upset, the No. 8 New Orleans Privateers defeated No. 5 Southeastern 78-66 in the first round of the 2024 Jersey Mike’s Southland Conference Men’s Basketball Championship. It was a game full of twists and turns, but ultimately, New Orleans emerged victorious.

Led by starting guard Jordan Johnson (University of Denver, Memphis, Tennessee, shown above) with an impressive 34-point performance, the Privateers showcased their skills on the court. This win means they advance to the quarterfinals, where they will face off against fourth-seeded Lamar.

Despite Southeastern's efforts, they couldn't overcome New Orleans' tenacity. Southeastern's starting forward Nick Caldwell (Dutchtown HS, Prairie, Louisiana) faced foul trouble throughout the game and eventually fouled out, limiting his impact on the court. Roger McFarlane (Dodge City JC, Fort Lauderdale, Florida) led the Lions with 18 points, but it wasn't enough to secure the win.

The game started with both teams trading runs, but it was New Orleans who finished the first half strong, taking the lead by the score of 39-33, and never trailed in the game. heir defense proved crucial, forcing Southeastern into numerous turnovers.

Though Southeastern made a late push, cutting the lead to eight points, Johnson and the Privateers responded with the determination they showed throughout the entire match, closing out the game with a 13-9 run.

Johnson's performance was exceptional, particularly his clutch three-pointer late in the game, which sealed the victory for New Orleans. 

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.

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.