Joel "Jewlz" Morris
Sports Editor
The Texas A&M University–San Antonio women’s basketball team breezed through conference opponent Louisiana Christian University 93-58 on Jan. 8, improving home record to 6-0.
Converting 13 3-pointers while shooting 56.5% from beyond the arc, the Jags tacked on points in a hurry, creating a large lead throughout the game, most notably when sophomore forward Talaiyah Andrews hit a 3-pointer to push the lead 41-26 with 6:10 remaining in the second quarter.
Head coach Chris Minner said his team’s ability to get inside opened up more opportunities from the 3-point line.
“We’re hard to defend going to the rim,” Minner said. “So teams are going to back off us, and that’s when shooting becomes important.”
Sophomore guard Tamya Whitemon contributed with her 3-point shooting, connecting on five 3-pointers, finishing with 17 points to lead the Jags in scoring.
Whitemon has earned an expanded role since the Red River Athletic Conference play began, increasing her average from 14.8 minutes per game in nonconference play to 27.1 minutes.
The increase in playing time has led to improved production, as Whitemon is averaging 11.1 points per game and “becoming more confident,” Minner said.
“Knowing I got to pick it up scoring wise,” Whitemon said. “Just shooting the ball with efficiency.”
Sharing the scoring load alongside Whitemon was Andrews with 14 points, who entered the matchup against LCU in a slump after scoring four points in consecutive games.
Andrews credits her work in practice for the performance, shooting 3-for-4 from 3-point range and finishing as the second-highest scorer for the Jags.
“Keep working in the gym, practicing harder, working on shots I should make,” Andrews said. “I feel like they (my shots) showed up in this game.”
Securing this win marks their sixth double-digit victory in conference, putting the Jags in a different class among their conference foes.
“Every practice we’re working together and working hard, pushing each other,” Andrews said. We play hard against each other, so it shows in the game.”
The Jags will try to protect their home court before a four-game road trip as they compete against Louisiana State University of Alexandria on Jan. 10 at 1 p.m.
Editor’s Note: This story was updated Jan. 10 at 12:30 p.m. to include the game’s date in the lede.
