TYLER, TEXAS – The Patriots will kick off a big three game stretch tomorrow night that includes Texas A&M International, Texas A&M-Kingsville, and Texas Woman's.
WHAT'S AT STAKE
As the Patriots currently sit tied for sixth place in the LSC standings, this three game stretch includes two opponents that are above them in the standings. Texas A&M-Kingsville is undefeated in LSC play and holds the top spot. Texas Woman's sits at 3-1 in LSC play. Just below the Patriots is Texas A&M International who has a record of 3-2 in LSC games. These three games are going to be pivotal in terms of seeding for the LSC tournament for all involved.
SERIES HISTORY
Against the Dustdevils, the Patriots hold a 2-1 series record. The most recent contest was a loss back on Feb. 21, 2021 in Laredo, Texas. However, UT Tyler does hold a 1-0 series lead in games played in Tyler.
Against the Javelinas, the Patriots sit at 0-3 all time. Most recently, the Patriots fell to Texas A&M-Kingsville back on Feb. 27, 2021. In the only game played inside the Herrington Patriot Center, the Javelinas took home the win by a score of 54-52.
Texas Woman's holds a 2-0 record against UT Tyler. These two teams faced off back on Dec. 20 and the Pioneers took home a 61-49 victory. Since that contest, the Patriots have gone 4-2 and are riding a two game winning streak. Texas Woman's has gone 3-2 since that contest and are in a two game slide.
THE SCOUTING REPORT
Texas A&M International sits only behind the Patriots in team field goal percentage in the LSC. They are also first in assists and first in free throw attempts amongst LSC teams. Leading the way for the Dustdevils is Rai Brown. Brown is averaging 18.4 points per game on 59% shooting. She is also averaging 5.6 rebounds per game and has 25 steals on the year.
Coaching the Dustdevils is Nate Vogel. Vogel is in his third season at Texas A&M International and has a record of 35-26. Most recently, Vogel led the program to the LSC South Division Championship in the 2020-2021 season.
Texas A&M-Kingsville currently is only behind the Patriots in team field goal percentage defense in the LSC. They rank second in three point field goals per game and second in scoring defense. Leading the Javelinas is the duo of Mia Cherry and Brianna Pena. Both Cherry and Pena are averaging 9.8 points per game. Cherry is averaging 3.1 rebounds per game and Pena is averaging 2.8 rebounds. The duo has combined for 39 assists and 20 steals.
Coaching the Javelinas is Michael Madrid. Madrid holds a record of 25-32 in his three seasons at the helm. In the 2020-2021 campaign, Madrid led Texas A&M-Kingsville to a .500 record for the first time since the 2016-2017 season.
Texas Woman's is the third ranked team in the LSC in scoring defense and free throw percentage. They also sit fourth in turnover margin and turnovers forced. Leading the Pioneers is Sadie Moyer. Moyer is averaging 15.1 points per game on 37.8% shooting. She is shooting 36.1% from beyond the arc and has 28 assists on the season.
Coaching Texas Woman's is Beth Jillson. Jillson is in her 15
th season at the reigns and has a record of 202-193. She is the all-time winningest coach in Texas Woman's history and has guided the program to two NCAA Tournament appearances.
AROUND THE LONE STAR CONFERENCE
After the latest round of games in the LSC, three teams remain undefeated. Texas A&M-Kingsville is the only team at 6-0, while Cameron and West Texas A&M are both 5-0. Texas Woman's holds a record of 3-1, and Lubbock Christian falls just behind them at 5-2. UT Tyler and Texas A&M-Commerce are both at 4-2, but the Patriots hold the all-important tiebreaker in that matchup.
ON THE HORIZON
Following the three game homestand for UT Tyler, the women's program will hit the road for a trip to Oklahoma and Arkansas.
On Feb. 3, the Patriots will head to Oklahoma City, Oklahoma for a contest against Oklahoma Christian. That contest is scheduled to tip off at 5:30 p.m.
On Feb. 5, UT Tyler will make the drive over to Fort Smith, Arkansas to take on UAFS. That game is scheduled for a 2 p.m. start.
