Tarleton’s tournament success in Las Vegas

BY JAXON HANSARD / Sports Editor

Tarleton State University men's and women's basketball teams qualified for the Western Athletic Conference (WAC) Tournament held in Las Vegas, Nevada, March 13-16.

The women's season became very competitive as they won three out of their final four games, clinching a final spot in the WAC Vegas tournament as the seventh seed, where they were going to face their foe from up the road Abilene Christian University (ACU) who held the sixth seed.

 Tarleton had a 1-1 record against ACU in the regular season. 

The Texans stayed consistent with their end-of-the-season play and upset the ACU Wildcats 54-41 to advance to Thursday's second-round play. Tarleton won their first conference tournament game since joining NCAA Division I. Strong and relentless performances came from the starting backcourt of Miannah Little and Jakoria Long who both played 40 minutes along with 38 minutes from starting forward Elise Turrubiates. 

Little shot 4-16 from the field with two three-pointers for 13 points while also helping her teammates with six assists. 

Long led the team in scoring all season, especially in their biggest game yet, where she produced an efficient 7-9 field goal to tally 20 points for her night. 

All-WAC Freshman, Faith Acker, had a dominant night against the Wildcats, bringing down 12 rebounds and eight points for the Texans while blocking four shots right back to ACU.

Both teams were tied after the first quarter to 16 a piece, ACU had a run of their own to pull away and lead 29-23 at the half. The second half of the game is where Tarleton threw their biggest punch, scoring 32 points in the final two quarters while keeping Abilene from scoring for the first 3:34 of the third quarter. 

Head Coach Bill Brock is grateful for the experience the conference tournament provides the athletes.  

“Our team rebounding, shot selection, and free throw shooting were outstanding in the second half. I'm so happy our players are getting to experience this conference tournament atmosphere,” Brock said. 

The women's basketball team's next opponent was another Texas school that is considered a rival for the Texans, Stephen F. Austin State University (SFA). This three seeded team, the Lady Jacks, were the women's next obstacle. 

The Lady Jacks chopped Tarleton’s tournament play over in a sloppy finish to the season, where turnovers determined the Texan's fate. SFA overcame Tarleton in a 70-58 game. 

On a stat sheet, both teams were similar and Tarleton even had the upper hand in the rebounding department, but they were buried under 24 turnovers that SFA was able to capitalize on and score 22 points off turnovers to go along with their 42 points in the paint.  

"They kept us off-balance offensively the entire game with their length and athleticism on defense,” Brock said. “We competed hard but just had too many live ball turnovers that resulted in easy baskets." 

This game featured a larger rotation from coach Brock but with lesser performances as the starting backcourt of Little and Long combined for seven points in less playing time. Tyler Jackson carried Tarleton in scoring with 19 points and six rebounds. 

Turrubiates backup Jackson with six of her own rebounds and 12 points to keep the Texans moving. Acker recorded a double-double of 10 points and 10 rebounds with the force she plays within the paint.  

“Their perseverance was rewarded and allowed us to finish strong in conference play winning three of our last four games and winning a game in the conference tournament,” Brock said. “We have a solid core group returning next year and I anticipate a lot of growth from each player during the offseason and summer."