By Kevin Jefferies
Commerce – The A&M-Commerce women win and the men lose as the first round of the Lone Star Conference Tournament wrapped up last night.
The Lions men traveled to Tarleton State to face the Texans in a first round match between the two rival teams. In a game that saw many lead changes, the Lions looked to have control, posting a six-point lead with just over two minutes left to play. But the Texans rallied, outscoring A&M-Commerce 9-2 in the waning minutes to take a 71-70 victory.
Down by four with 18 seconds left, Tarleton State's Derek Atwood hit a 3-pointer to put the Texans down by just one at 70-69. The Lions then tried to kill the final seconds, but Tarleton forced a turnover on Jermart Miller as he was passing, and a jump ball was called with 12 seconds left. The Texans took possession, and sunk a jumper to take a one point lead with three seconds left. The Lions had one last shot, but missed it, and Tarleton took the victory.
The women's team had just as much drama in the first round match at the A&M-Commerce field house, but came out with a one point victory. Final score was 60-59 A&M-Commerce.
It was 59-58 Tarleton with 28 seconds left when Rashida Wilson drove to the bucket, was fouled, and stepped to the line for the Lions. Nothing but net on the first shot, and a Tarleton timeout. Second shot good; and A&M-Commerce took a one-point lead with just 8 seconds left. The TexAnns had one last-second shot fall short, and the Lions secured the victory.
The win marks the first-ever LSC Tournament win at home for the women. The Lions travel to West Texas A&M to face the nation's 17th ranked team this Friday. Tip-off is set for 6pm.