FRISCO– The Texas A&M University-Commerce women's basketball team is the fifth seed in the Lone Star Conference Tournament. The Lions will face Eastern New Mexico in the first round.
 
WHO: Texas A&M-Commerce (19-9, 14-6 LSC) vs. Eastern New Mexico (19-9, 14-6 LSC)
WHERE: Comerica Center in Frisco, Texas
WHEN: Friday, Mar. 8 at 8:30 p.m.
LIVE STATS: Click HERE
LIVE VIDEO: https://portal.stretchinternet.com/lonestar/
LIVE AUDIO: ketr.org
TICKETS: Click HERE
 
The Lions are coming off a 2-0 road weekend, defeating UT Permian Basin and Western New Mexico. Head coach Jason Burton liked the way his team was able to win on the road.
 
"We went out on the road and played well," he said. "It was good to jump out on UTPB in that first quarter. We found a way to get it done. And we did the same thing against Western New Mexico while being shorthanded. We found a way to get it done. That's what you want going into the conference tournament. Whether you are shorthanded or in foul trouble, you find a way to rally and get the win. I'm proud of the way our team played last week and it is great momentum going into the conference tournament."
 
With the two wins, the Lions earned their 14th win of the conference season, tying a program record. Also approaching the 20-win mark, Burton reflected on the regular season with pride in his squad.
 
"I'm really proud of this team," he said. "We faced adversity in many different forms. Through everything, our team has found ways to persevere and win games. You have to be proud of that. I think we are excited about the conference tournament and the possibility of the regional tournament. But we know we have our work cut out for us. For us to guarantee a spot in the regional tournament, we have to go take care of business this week. Our plan is to go to Frisco and win three."
 
The Lions draw Eastern New Mexico in the first round. The teams split their games in the regular season, with the Lions winning in Commerce three weeks ago. Burton knows it will be a difficult first match as both teams are fighting for regional rankings as well as to advance in the LSC Tournament.
 
 "It's going to be interesting to play on a neutral court against a team where every game has been a battle," he said. "It is going to be fun to play on a neutral court. Both times we have played them, we have played well. I didn't think we shot very well in Portales, but at this point in the season, we are playing with more confidence and shooting with more confidence. We've learned how to score in the right spots. Different players have stepped up when we needed them to. That's what makes us confident this time of year."
 
To win a conference title, the Lions will need to win three games in three consecutive days. Burton is confident his team can if they play to their potential. He also is looking for a home crowd to help push his team to greater heights.
 
"We will need two things," he said. "First, we need all of Lion Nation to come out. This is a home game for us. It is not that far from Commerce or the metroplex. We need it to feel like a home game for us. We have been unbelievable at home this season. It needs to feel like the Field House over at Comerica Center.
 
And our senior leadership will be key. Princess has been outstanding. I feel like her leadership has stepped up lately. And Kate has been playing at a high level as well. We need our seniors to lead and play with confidence. We need them to lead and have everyone else follow. I put all the confidence in the world in Princess and Kate to do that. I think they will lead us to victories."