TYLER, TEXAS – The UT Tyler women's basketball program will take on #7 Texas A&M-Commerce tomorrow afternoon in the Herrington Patriot Center for their only contest of the week.
THE SCHEDULE SO FAR
UT Tyler is in the midst of a marvelous turnaround after the previous two seasons. The Patriots are 14-5 overall and sit at a record of 7-3 in LSC play. As a collective unit, the women's program is first in the LSC in field goal percentage and field goal percentage defense. They have combined to be one of the most efficient teams in the conference and in the country, as they rank in the top 20 in both categories in all of Division II basketball.
SERIES HISTORY
The Lions hold a 4-1 series lead over the Patriots in a series that dates back to Dec. 19, 2006. In the most recent matchup, it was UT Tyler who won their first game against the then #4 ranked Lions on the road back on Jan. 18. It was a thrilling contest that saw four Patriots in double figures with
Liah Davis leading them, scoring 26 points and 11 rebounds on the night.
With #7 Texas A&M-Commerce making the jump to Division I next season, this matchup has the potential to be the final contest between the two schools that are separated by just 86 miles.
THE SCOUTING REPORT
#7 Texas A&M-Commerce is one of the top teams in Division II and in the LSC. As a team, they are first in the LSC and second in Division II in free throw attempts and free throws made. They are first in total rebounds on both the offensive and defensive side of the ball amongst LSC competition, and they are first in scoring margin and scoring offense.
The Lions are led by three players averaging double figures in points per game, and Dyani Robinson leads those players with 16.2 points per game. She is averaging those numbers on 42.4% shooting from the floor and she also leads the Lions in assists and steals. DesiRay Kernal averages 11.5 points per game, and also leads the program in rebounding, averaging seven per game.
Coaching #7 Texas A&M-Commerce is Jason Burton. He is in his eighth year at the helm, and holds a career record of 149-68. Burton is the all-time winningest coach for the Lions, and most recently led the Lions to their first NCAA Tournament win since 2008 during the 2020-2021 season.
AROUND THE LONE STAR CONFERENCE
After the most recent night of games, there are now four teams atop the Lone Star Conference standings. The Lions, Texas Woman's, Cameron, and West Texas A&M all sit at 8-2 in LSC play and share the lead. Closely following them is Texas A&M-Kingsville, who holds a record of 8-3. They are followed by UT Tyler and Angelo State who each hold records of 7-3. Lubbock Christian comes in at number eight with a record of 9-4. The Chaps are one of two teams to have played all 13 scheduled LSC games this season.
ON THE HORIZON
Following the contest against #7 Texas A&M-Commerce, the Patriots will host two home games next week for what could be their final contests inside the Herrington Patriot Center this season. On Feb. 17, St. Mary's will come to Tyler for a 5 p.m. tipoff. That game will also double as the Pink Out game. On Feb. 19, St. Edward's will make their trip to Tyler for a 2 p.m. tipoff.
