CANYON, Texas – The #9 Lady Buffs of West Texas A&M closed 2025 with a dominant 64-30 victory over the Hawaii Pacific Sharks to conclude the Hoops in Hawaii Classic at The Shark Tank in Honolulu, Hawaii.
 
WT established control early in the first quarter, with Taylor Haggan opening the scoring on a jumper from the paint at 9:36. The team then surged forward with Claire Graham hitting consecutive 3-pointers, assisted by Randi Harding and Kenadee Winfrey, to secure an 8-0 lead by the 6:54 mark. The Lady Buffs maintained momentum through strong defensive rebounding, limiting Hawaii Pacific to just one basket in the quarter. Haggan capped the quarter with two more layups, including one in the final seconds, contributing to the Lady Buffs' 13-3 lead at the close of the first quarter.
 
The Lady Buffs opened the second quarter with a strong defensive effort, highlighted by Graham's early steal and Henley West's defensive rebound. West contributed significantly to the scoring with a layup and jumper, combining for four points early in the quarter. Abbi Holder supported with assists, maintaining offensive pressure. Hawaii Pacific struggled to gain momentum, turning the ball over multiple times, which the Lady Buffs capitalized on for quick points. Chloe Callahan and Haggan extended the lead with successful free throws, widening the gap. The quarter concluded with the Lady Buffs leading 25-13, maintaining a comfortable advantage heading into the locker room.
 
The Lady Buffs began the third quarter with an assertive performance, capitalizing on defensive stops and efficient shooting. Haggan's early layup, coupled with Harding's 3-pointer shortly after, set the tone for a strong start. The team maintained pressure, forcing Hawaii Pacific into multiple turnovers, which were converted into points, extending the lead. The defense remained solid throughout the quarter, evidenced by a block from West and a key steal by Karley Motschenbacher. The visitors controlled the paint, outscoring Hawaii Pacific 14-8 in this area, and benefited from effective bench contributions totaling 14 points.
 
WT started the fourth quarter by expanding their lead with a strong performance, highlighted by Callahan's three-pointer just 30 seconds in. The team maintained pressure with effective scoring in the paint, exemplified by Harding's layup at 8:49 and a fast-break layup by Haggan at 7:42, making the score 54-24. As the quarter progressed, the Lady Buffs continued their offensive efficiency. Hollie Stalder added a three-pointer at 6:27, assisted by Zoey McBroom, further increasing their lead. The defense remained solid, limiting Hawaii Pacific's opportunities and allowing just eight points in the quarter. The Lady Buffs closed the game with decisive plays, including a three-pointer from McBroom with 34 seconds remaining, to secure a comfortable victory.
 
Haggan recorded a double-double with 13 points and 12 rebounds, including five on the offensive end. West scored 14 points while converting 7 of 8 field goal attempts and added two blocks. Graham contributed defensively with two steals and scored six points, hitting both of her 3-point attempts. Callahan added eight points and collected four rebounds.
 
The Lady Buffs head into the holiday break riding an 11-game win streak as they return to the court on January 2^nd at Western New Mexico to resume Lone Star Conference action in Silver City.