Texas A&M University-Commerce women's basketball head coach Jason Burton's homecoming to face his former employers in San Marcos was soured Sunday afternoon, as a late comeback effort from the Lions (4-3) fell short with the Bobcats (4-3) prevailing 74-69.
The Lions got out to a fast start, extending their lead to 18-12 through the first eight minutes of play. Senior forward Abigail Leaupepe-Tele was responsible for six of the Lions first eight points, and would finish the game with 12 points, six boards and four blocks in only 17 minutes of action.
After half, the Lions came out hot once again, tearing off an 8-2 run over the first 3 minutes to come within two. The Bobcats responded in turn, going on a 12-2 run which spanned the following 6 minutes, extending their lead to a game-high 12 points.
The Lions would close the gap to as few as two points, as the Lions made it 65-63 on a pair of Gabby Scott threes. Yet it was not to be, as timely long-range shooting in the final minutes from Texas State ended the Lions hopes of pulling off the win.
"We knew Gabby can shoot the ball, and this is the first time we've seen her shoot like she does in practice," said Burton, "And Abby did what we know she's capable of. It's good to see that we're finally clicking, and now we just have to keep that consistent with conference coming up."
A&M-Commerce saw four players reach double-digit scoring, as senior forward La'Tisha Hearne once again led the way with 16 points accompanied five boards, two assists and a steal. Princess Davis also had a solid effort, with 10 points to go with her season-high seven rebounds, not to mention three assists, a block and a steal.
"The difference in the game was free throws sometimes on the road, you might not get those calls, and you've got to play better than expected to win on the road like that," said Burton, remarking upon a game in which the Bobcats were awarded 22 free throw attempts compared to the Lions' eight, "We came out and played very well, so I'm happy with our effort tonight."
Senior guard Meghan Braeuer led the way offensively for the Bobcats with 22 points on the day. However, junior Erin Peoples was arguably the more impactful player, logging a double-double with 18 points and 10 rebounds to go with her two assists, one steal and one block.
With the loss, the Lions record against the Bobcats drops to 1-4 all-time dating back to 1982. Texas State will ride the momentum of their two-game winning streak all the way to Florida, where they will play Bethune-Cookman University in the Stetson Hatter Tournament.
The Lions will have a day to recover and prepare for their final game of 2014 before Winter Break, a home affair against East Central on Tuesday, December 16 at 6 p.m. Tickets cost $5 for general admission, $3 for kids 4-12, and for children three and under, as well as students with a valid ID, admission is free of charge.