CANYON, TEXAS – No. 20 West Texas A&M Women's Basketball (1-1, 0-0 LSC) suffered their first loss of the season as they were defeated 71-68 in overtime in a top-20 matchup against No. 19 Tampa.
The Lady Buffs struck first in the game as they burst out to an early 12-3 advantage after
Arissa Garcia nabbed a steal and then dropped a dime to
Abbi Holder who finished the fast break layup. Tampa opened the game in a zone defense and WT was able to find a good offensive flow as they built up a 14-point lead after a jumper by
Taylor Haggan. West Texas A&M would lead 19-8 after one.
In the second quarter, WT kept distance against the Spartans, but they started to chip into the lead after going 4/6 from three and 7/12 overall in the second quarter. The Lady Buffs were able to answer and halt runs, but their lead would be cut down to 31-27 going into halftime.
Now in the second half, the Lady Buffs were able to get into the paint to fend off Tampa as they continued to cut into the lead. Garcia knocked down a jumper with 1:12 remaining to give WT a 42-37 lead. The Spartans closed out the quarter with a three and then layup as the game would be tied at 42 headed into the final frame.
To start the fourth, Tampa took their first lead since the opening minutes from a layup. The Lady Buffs were able to retake the lead and push it up to five points, but UT scored a three-pointer on three of their next four possessions as they led 57-55 with 2:06 left. With one minute remaining,
Kerbie Cash tied the game on a reverse layup before
Abbi Holder came away with a big steal with 36 seconds remaining. WT called timeout and went to Cash where she drove down the lane was fouled on her layup attempt. She split her free throws to give West Texas A&M the lead. Tampa called timeout and went to their post in Ryan Franklin for the win.
Taejhuan Hill matched up against Franklin where she held her ground as Franklin tried to back her down. Hill forced a tough layup in the paint which missed as Cash grabbed the rebound and would be fouled. Cash again split the pair as WT led 61-59 with six seconds left. On Tampa's final possession of regulation, they went to Maddie O'Berski who drove down the lane and nearly walked on a travel but scored the two as the game headed into overtime.
To start the five minutes of free basketball, Cash cashed a top of the key three on the opening possession which was followed by a turnover and then jumper by Haggan on the 5-0 spurt. That lead carried down to 2:07 after Holder finished in the paint. UT responded with an instant layup of their own before two free throws and a jumper gave them a 69-68 advantage with 14 seconds left. WT had a costly turnover as they were forced to foul Tampa who knocked down both free throws with three seconds left. The Lady Buffs advanced the ball with a timeout and needed a three to force a second overtime. To tie the game, WT went to Cash on the wing who took one dribble and pulled up for three. She would take contact on her shot, but no call was made as her shot would miss as the buzzer expired. The score would finalize at 71-68 in favor of No. 19 Tampa.
Top Lady Buffs
- Taylor Haggan led WT with 15 points on an efficient 7/13 shooting. She added four assists, three rebounds, and a steal and block.
- Abbi Holder produced 10 points on 4/7 shooting with two steals.
- Taejhuan Hill neared a double-double with nine points and rebounds (four offensive). Hill also tallied three assists and two steals.
Buffalo Bits
- West Texas A&M is now 1-1 all-time against Tampa.
- WT led the game in free throw makes (10-9), offensive rebounds (10-5), blocks (1-0), steals (9-6), points off turnovers (20-7), and second chance points (10-4).
- Kerbie Cash totaled 14 points, six rebounds, and two assists.
- Arissa Garcia recorded 11 points (4/9), six rebounds, four assists, and two steals.
- Brooklyn Scurry notched four points and two rebounds.
- Ciara Harris knocked in a three and nabbed a steal.
Up Next
West Texas A&M returns to action on Monday, November 9 as they take on Wayland Baptist at the First United Bank Center. Tip-off is set for 11:00 a.m.
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