UT Tyler vs. Colorado School of Mines UTT: 24-7, 18-4 LSC | Mines: 24-6, 18-4 LSC Friday, Mar. 10th | 5:00 P.M. San Angelo, Texas | Junell Center - Stephens Arena

SCHEDULE

ROSTER

STATS

BUILDING ON SUCCESS
 
The Patriots recently battled it out in the Lone Star Conference tournament, and posted their second consecutive semifinals appearance in just their first two seasons of postseason eligibility as a Division II program.

It was all UT Tyler in their quarterfinal matchup, as they shot 42.2% as a team from the floor against West Texas A&M while holding the Lady Buffs to just 28.6% from the floor on their way to a dominant 21 point win.
 
In the semifinal round, the Patriots squared off in a defensive battle against Angelo State. Both teams shot just over 30% from the floor, but it was a 15-8 advantage in second chance points and a 54-35 advantage in the rebounding department that allowed the Rambelles to take the win.
 
HOW WE GOT HERE
 
UT Tyler has marched their way to an incredible 24-7 record on the season in year number two of the Rebecca Alvidrez era, and also posted an 18-4 record in LSC play, the second best in the conference. The Patriots took down three teams either ranked in the top 25 or in the receiving votes category of the WBCA Top 25 Poll, and also posted a nine game winning streak to start LSC play.
 
Those tough wins against top tier opponents and the total resume allowed their selection by the South Central Region Committee into the NCAA South Central Regional Tournament for the first time in program history and the first selection into the NCAA National Tournament for the first time since the 2015-2016 season.
 
WHAT COACH ALVIDREZ IS SAYING
 
On making the NCAA South Central Region Tournament: "It's exciting times for our program. I think it's unbelievable what we have accomplished over the last two years. A lot of credit goes to the girls that wanted to be a part of this and help build the foundation and the culture. I think it's great that we are continuing to grow and get better each year.
 
On what she needed to be competitive quickly: "Luckily enough I've coached in Division II, and when I first took over the job the first thing I wanted to do is build a strong staff. Secondly, was obviously recruit the players to be able to play at a high level. I think it got pretty real when we got announced that this is pretty cool and this is a great experience and it is why we play."
 
On the message against Colorado School of Mines: "Just coming together and enjoying this journey. You're going to miss this, and just realizing that it could become pretty special if we come together and have the same mission. Just realizing how cool it is to make the regional tournament and be able to compete."
 
THE SCOUTING REPORT
 
Colorado School of Mines will roll into Friday night's matchup at a record of 24-6 on the season and an 18-4 record in RMAC play. The Orediggers finished with the second best record in the conference and made their way to the championship game in their conference tournament before falling to Regis.
 
The Orediggers hold the top offense in the RMAC, and one of the best offenses in all of Division II this season. They rank 24^th in offensive rebounds per game, 27^th in assists per game, 25^th in scoring margin, and 30^th in scoring offense. On top of that offense, they also take care of the ball, ranking eighth in turnovers per game and 11^th in turnover margin, while also posting the 14^th most steals per game.
 
Three Orediggers average double figures, led by Ashley Steffeck at 14.5 points per game. She has started all 30 games and is shooting 38.2% from the field and 33.1% from beyond the arc. She averages the third most rebounds per game and also has the most assists and steals.
 
Brittany Simpson is at the helm for Colorado School of Mines, and is in the midst of her 11^th season with the program. She is the all-time winningest coach in program history, and has led the team to their first three RMAC titles while also leading the team to four selections into the NCAA Tournament.
 
NEXT UP
 
The winner of Friday night's contest will get to stick around in San Angelo, Texas and square off with the winner between one seeded Angelo State and no. 8 seed West Texas A&M. That matchup will be at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday and that winner will head to the NCAA South Central Region final and have a chance to move on to the final eight teams remaining in the country.