CANYON, TEXAS – The Lion women (9-7; 3-3 in LSC) got their first taste of nationally ranked competition on Saturday, and it proved too high a mountain to climb as A&M-Commerce fell to the No. 10 West Texas A&M Lady Buffs (14-2; 5-1 in LSC) 100-73.
 
The Lions never took the lead in a game where WT captured early control. Junior guard Danielle Logan wrought havoc from long-range, dropping 21 points on 5 of 6 from deep, and 7 of 8 from the field for her season-high. Though she would be held scoreless in the second half, she still held on to be the high-scorer for a Lady Buffs team that produced a whopping seven double-digit scorers.
 
"The credit goes to them. They came out, executed their game plan, knocked down a lot of shots," said assistant coach Leonard Bishop, "We've got to communicate, close out on shooters, and make them settle for tough shots. We can't let teams do what they like to do."
 
The notable bright spot for the Lions on the afternoon was the play of freshman forward Artaejah Gay, who broke her career-high with 22 points, the second highest scoring production from a Lion this season. She also led the Lions in rebounding along with junior center Kiana Evans, snagging six boards. Not only was her scoring plentiful, if came with great efficiency, as the freshman pulled off her production on 10 of 13 shooting from the field (76.9 percent).
 
"Artaejah Gay is extremely talented. She's just scratching the surface of what she's capable of," said Bishop, "If she keeps putting in the effort, she's going to have a great four years here."
 Gabby Scott delivered her third double-digit scoring performance with a 13-point outing. Ashlee Johnson rounded out the significant scoring for the Lions with 12 of her own, in addition to a team-high four assists. The two combined for four takeaways, logging two steals a piece.
 
The loss was almost compounded midway through the first half, when a West Texas A&M forward set a questionable screen on freshman guard Princess Davis, who went down in a heap near the free throw line. After writhing in pain for a minute, she was helped off by teammates and went straight to the locker room. Thankfully, Davis was able to return in the second half, much to the relief of Lions fans everywhere.
 
With the win, WT's dominant record against the Lions grows even more so, as the Lady Buffs are now 51-5 all-time against the Lions. They'll have just a moon's turn to move on, as the Texas Woman's Pioneers come to Canyon tomorrow.
 
As for the Lions, their next game will also involve the Pioneers, only it will take place on the TWU's home court in Denton. That game is scheduled for Wednesday, January 28 at 7 p.m. in Kitty Magee Arena.