COMMERCE – For the first time in almost a year, the No. 2/4 Texas A&M University-Commerce women's basketball team suffered a loss at the Field House. The UT Tyler Patriots handed the Lions an 80-67 loss on Tuesday night.
 
The Lions drop to 13-2 on the season and 2-2 in Lone Star Conference games, losing at home for the first time since February 9, 2021, against Cameron. The Patriots improve to 10-4 overall and 3-2 in conference games, leading throughout the game. There were no lead changes or ties besides the opening tip in the game.

"Hats off to UT Tyler for a great game plan," said coach Jason Burton. "They packed the ball inside, and we did not respond the way we should have." 
 
The Lions fell behind 9-0 to start the game, they cut it to 12-6, but shot just 27 percent in the first half, compared to 52 percent from the Patriots. UT Tyler led 38-21 at the half, the Lions' largest deficit in any game this season and largest since 19 points against Lubbock Christian in the LSC Championship game in 2021.
 
The smallest lead for the Patriots in the first half was six points outside of the opening minutes. The Lions did not get the game in single digits at any point in the second half. The Patriots scored the first five points of the third quarter to take their largest lead of the game of 22 points. Liah Davis shot 11 for 14 from the field and 4 for 4 at the free throw line for game-leading 26 points. She also had 11 rebounds, which were the most for any player on Tuesday night.
 
Chania Wright (DeSoto), who scored team-leading 21 points, sparked a run for the Lions to pull to within 12, but each time the Lions had a short rally, the Patriots responded on the other end. Wright made three shots from the distance and shot 6 for 7 from the line.
 
To start the fourth quarter, Laila Lawrence (Lewisville) scored the first bucket, followed by a steal in the Lions' side of the court by Asiyha Smith (Conway, Ark.), who was fouled on the play. Smith knocked down both free throws to bring the Lions within 12 points, but the Patriots answered with a three pointer right before the shot clock expired. Mia Deck (Frisco – Lone Star) responded with a three on the other end, but the Patriots were able to keep the lead in double digits.
 
The Lions shot 34 percent from the field in the game. Dyani Robinson (Langham Creek) finished second on the team with 15 points. Smith had team-leading five assists, also totaling five points and three rebounds.
 
Lawrence tallied 11 points, three rebounds, and three steals off the bench. Outside of Robinson and Wright, the rest of the Lion starters were held to two total points. DesiRay Kernal (Newton, Kan.) and Juliana Louis (Long Beach, Calif.) had four rebounds each.
 
The Lion bench outscored the Patriots, 29-2. Deck had six points, Symmone James (McKinney – Boyd) had five along with Smith, and Dorian Norris (Lake Dallas) had one.
 
UP NEXT
The Lions make the long trip across the state to Western New Mexico to take on the Mustangs on Thursday night at 6:30 p.m. central standard time. Their next home game is on Sunday against Midwestern State at 2 p.m.
 
Sunday's game is Church Day. All fans receive $1 tickets for everyone in their group if they present a church bulletin at the door.