West Texas A&M’s Karley Motschenbacher dribbles up the floor during a Lone Star Conference game against No. 2 Texas A&M-Commerce on Thursday night at the First United Bank Center. [Trevor Fleeman/ Press Pass Sports]
Lady Buffs take down No. 2 A&M-Commerce
The West Texas A&M Lady Buffs continued a strong start Lone Star Conference action getting their biggest win to date by downing No. 2-ranked and previously unbeaten Texas A&M-Commerce, 71-63, on Thursday night at the First United Bank Center.
WT has put together three straight wins, opening LSC play at 3-0, while moving to 10-7 overall. The Lions suffer their first defeat of the season, falling to 11-1.
It also marks the Lady Buffs first victory over a top-five ranked opponent since Feb. 22, 2020 when they traveled to TAMC, and topped the then No. 3-ranked Lions, 58-55.
“It’s a huge win for our team,” WT head coach Josh Prock said. “Commerce is a tremendous team. To get a win like this is monumental for the program moving forward. I’m proud of everyone for this effort.”
Thursday night’s contest was nip and tuck throughout with 12 lead changes, and neither WT nor Commerce leading by more than eight points.
The Lady Buffs took control with eight minutes left in the final quarter. Trailing 62-60, Karley Motschenbacher and teammate Lauren Taylor knocked down back-to-back 3-pointers giving WT a 66-62 advantage it never relinquished.
“We fought hard to win this game,” Motschenbacher said. “We played like every possession was our last, especially in the fourth quarter. I don’t think our record really reflects what we can do. So getting this kind of win feels really good.”
Motschenbacher led the Lady Buffs tallying her third double-double of the season pouring in 15 points on 6-of-12 shooting to go with 13 boards.
The sophomore was part of a big sharing night for WT as five players finished in double-digits
Along with Motschenbacher’s effort, post Alivia Lewis had a double-double of her own with 11 points and 13 boards, point guard Zamorye Roberts had a game-high 16 points, dishing out six assists. Jayla Lewis chipped in 13 points, as Lauren Taylor scored 12.
For a full look at the game stats, please visit https://gobuffsgo.com/sports/womens-basketball/stats/2021-22/texas-am-commerce/boxscore/8309
West Texas A&M guard looks to blow past a Texas A&M-Commerce defender during a Lone Star Conference game Thursday night at the First United Bank Center. [Trevor Fleeman/ Press Pass Sports]
Buffs hold off Lions for second straight LSC win
West Texas A&M opened up a double-digit second half lead that helped the No. 11 Buffs hold off Texas A&M-Commerce, 79-69, on Thursday night at the First United Bank Center.
After suffering a loss to open conference last Saturday to Arkansas-Fort Smith, WT has rebounded nicely with back-to-back victories.
The Buffs improve to 15-2 overall, and 2-1 in LSC play.
WT opened a 33-21 lead in the first half only to see TAMC (10-2, 2-1) narrow the gap, 39-32 at half.
In the second half, the Buffs pushed the lead by 10 or more for the majority of the final 20 minutes that led to sealing the contest late.
“We had a 13-point first half lead,” Brown said. “But Commerce is a really good team. They cut back into our advantage. When you have two good teams you have to withstand some runs. I thought we did that. Then in the second half we took care of the ball just enough.”
WT played stingy defense, and attacked the basket led by Zach Toussaint and Larry Wise.
That duo accounted for a combined 39 of WT’s 79 points with Toussaint pouring in a game-high 20. Wise answered with 19.
WT head coach knows this duo can score, but was more impressed with what they did on the defensive end.
“I loved how Zach played on offense, but It’s what he did on defense,” Brown said. “His defense was solid. I thought Larry Wise did a great job on their main scorer (Jarius Roberson). He held him to 1-of-8 from the floor.”
WT was also clutch at the free-throw line knocking down 19-of-25 shots.
The Buffs and Lady Buffs continue their homestand against UT Tyler starting at 2 p.m. on Saturday.
For full game stats of the Buffs win over TAMC, please visit https://gobuffsgo.com/sports/mens-basketball/stats/2021-22/texas-am-commerce/boxscore/8338