Patriots split weekend road games, remain one game behind ETBU

The University’s women’s basketball team kept their playoff hopes alive with a 66-51 victory over LeTourneau on Saturday and despite a 72-47 loss to ETBU on Thursday.

Thursday

A lackluster start and turnovers doomed the Patriots early against ETBU. The Tigers had runs of 14-3 and 14-5 during the first half, along with six steals, and led 33-16 at halftime.

Satra Harrell and Priscilla Galliguez led the Tigers with six and nine points for the half. Galliguez shot 3-4 from behind the arc.

The Patriots recorded 13 turnovers and shot 24 percent from the floor. Olivia Burns led the Patriots with eight points during the half. Troubles continued in the second half and the Tigers increased their lead to 33 with 14-4

Paige Parrish led the Patriots on a 13-4 to close out the game, which occurred far to late. Harrell and Galliguez led all scorers with 16 and 14 total points

Parrish led the Patriots with 13 points, followed by Burns with eight points. “I think we just have more confidence at home,” head coach Stasha Richards said. “And I think that comes with having a lot of young players.”

Saturday

LeTourneau jumped out to an early 8-0 lead before the Patriots could get on the board. Lauren Glasco knocked down two free throws for the Patriots first points.

The Patriots started a 10-4 run from there to cut the Lady Jacket’s lead to two. LeTourneau extended their lead back to five with 8:23 left in the first half. The Patriots responded on their next two possessions and cut the lead to one.

Glasco tied the game at 22 and gave the Patriots their first lead of the game with five minutes remaining until halftime.

Kayla Kerns hit a three with 16 seconds left to give LeTourneau a 29-28 lead at the half. The Patriots held the lead for all but 45 seconds in the second half and stormed ahead, making 10-12 free throws in the final two minutes. Parrish took control in the half scoring 20 of her game high 26 points.

The win moves the Patriots one game behind ETBU and a playoff berth. The Patriots are scheduled to play their final four games at home, starting with the Texas- Dallas on 5:30 p.m. Thursday.