COMMERCE– The Texas A&M University-Commerce women's basketball team will host two Lone Star Conference games this week. The Lions host Cameron on Thursday and MSU Texas on Saturday.
 
Cameron – Greek Night
WHO: Texas A&M-Commerce (13-7, 8-4 LSC) vs. Cameron (7-13, 4-8 LSC)
WHERE: The Field House in Commerce, Texas
WHEN: Thursday, Feb. 7 at 5:30 p.m.
LIVE VIDEO: lionathletics.com/live
LIVE STATS: Click HERE
LIVE AUDIO: ketr.org
TICKETS: Click HERE
 
Midwestern State – College of Business 'Fill the Field House' & Play4Kay
WHO: Texas A&M-Commerce vs. MSU Texas (8-11, 5-7 LSC)
WHERE: The Field House in Commerce, Texas
WHEN: Saturday, Feb. 9 at 2 p.m.
LIVE VIDEO: lionathletics.com/live
LIVE STATS: Click HERE
LIVE AUDIO: ketr.org
 
The Lions are coming off a split weekend on the road. The team defeated A&M-Kingsville by 34 points on Thursday before falling by 14 to No. 20 Angelo State on Saturday.
 
"We went down to Kingsville and took care of business," head women's basketball coach Jason Burton said. "We didn't shoot the ball well in the first half but we still found ways to get it done. We played some good defense in that game. We held them to 22 points in that first half. Then in the second half, we came out and shot the lights out. Things were clicking on all cylinders.
 
"Then we went down to Angelo and I thought we played a decent game. There are a lot of things we want to carry over. We only had 10 turnovers, which is one of our best. We forced 21 turnovers, we went 18-21 from the free throw line. We made more free throws than they shot. But we got dominated on the boards. That is something that has been a positive for us all year and we didn't do a good job. But we are still in a good position. We are one game out of second place. We are in good shape in the region. But we have to take care of business this weekend."
 
The Lions now face Cameron on Thursday. The Lions defeated the Aggies by 19 on the road earlier in the year. Burton knows nothing comes easy in the LSC and that the second time around is always tougher against any team in the conference.
 
"It's tough to beat teams twice," he said. We have to realize it won't be easy. Last year, we finished 2-5 after a really strong start. Cameron has a team that can really shoot hot from three. We did a good job of guarding the three-point line last game and we are going to have to do that again. We are playing really well at home and we have to make sure we keep doing the things that have made us good at home."
 
The Lions will then face MSU Texas on Saturday. The Lions won the first matchup by 13 in Wichita Falls. However, this last week, the Mustangs swept their home series against West Texas A&M and Eastern New Mexico. Burton expects a confident MSU team to come into Saturday.
 
"Midwestern is playing really well," he said. "They beat Eastern New Mexico and West Texas last week. Those are two big wins. They are putting themselves in position not only to make the post season but to have a higher seed in the conference tournament. These are two games that we have to make sure we are focused and ready to go."
 
With just two home weeks remaining in the season, Burton sees the importance of taking care of home court. He is looking forward to two great home crowds this week that will help his team play its best.
 
"Lion Nation has come out strong at home," he said. "We have great fans and great attendance at our home games. And we need that again. We have Greek Night on Thursday and Fill the Field House on Saturday. We need people to come to the Field House this week and be loud and create a great environment. And I think we will get that.
 
"We have the best band in the nation. The band sets the tone. They are in it and they are loud. And when our fans come, this is a tough place to play. We need them for both games. We need them early for our games and we need them to stay late for the men's game. These are two big games for both teams for regional rankings and postseason. We need this place to be loud and crazy. We appreciate Lion Nation and need them to be strong this weekend."
 
Tickets to Thursday's doubleheader are available at WeAreLionsTix.com, by calling (903) 468-8756 or by visiting the Lion Sales & Service Box Office in the Field House. Tickets for Saturday's contest are provided free of charge thanks to A&M-Commerce's College of Business.