Tyler, Texas – The Lady Eagles (3-16, 3-11) fought hard and challenged the Patriots (18-3, 13-1) for all four quarters at RV UT Tyler. 

 In the first quarter, the Lady Eagles and Patriots traded buckets early with one another, but ultimately the Patriots would start out with a 14-9 lead over Oklahoma Christian in the first quarter. The Eagles would share the ball very effectively against the patriots, which led to many different Eagles scoring in the first quarter. As the first quarter was coming to a close, the Lady Eagles would force a couple of turnovers by Brooklin Bain and Kendall Brown. These turnovers turned into easy buckets for Oklahoma Chirstian, who would take the lead into the second quarter 15-14.

As the second period began, the Eagles continued their great defense forcing a couple of turnovers on the Patriots, which led to a 18-17 point lead with 8 minutes to go in the second quarter. But the Patriots would not go away without a fight, and they would regain the lead with a couple of layups to go back up 5 with 6:38 on the clock. As the second quarter was drawing to a close, the Eagles, led by Nakia Cullom with 5 points, clawed their way back to a one point game with 0:48 seconds left. Kate Bradley would hit a 3pt to go up by 2 points with 15 seconds. Then Texas-Tyler would get a layup off in time to tie the game at 28 heading into the halftime break.

Once the third quarter began, both teams continued to fight for every basket possible. With this said, the defenses made their presence felt throughout the first 5:00 minutes of the third quarter, allowing less than 12 points during that time. Texas-Tyler would drive to the basket for a layup and they would go up 35-36 with 4:19 in the 3rd, as the two teams went into the media timeout. With 1:49 left in the 3rd, the game remained within a 5 point difference, until UTT's King hit two free throws to bring the score to 43-37 in favor of the Patriots. Kia White would the hit two free throws to keep the lead at 4 points. As the quarter came to a close, the Eagles brought the score within two as they trailed 46-44, thanks to a 3pt by Daijah Torns. 

To begin the fourth quarter, the Patriots would score a quick basket, but then Kate Bradley would add to the 3pt barrage with a 3pt of her own. With 6:44, Jordan Francisco would put in a layup to give the Lady Eagles the lead with a score of 49-48. As the game passed the five minute mark in fourth quarter, the Patriots regained the lead to go up 54 to 49. OC would cut the lead back to 2 after free throws from Nakia Cullom, then a steal would lead to an easy layup for Brooklin Bain. This would tie the game with 4:04 on the clock. Bain would then make a free throw to take the lead for the Lady Eagles. Baskets would get traded between the Patriots and the Eagles, and the game would be tied at 59 with 2:39 left in the game. The patriots would hit a 3pt with 56 seconds left to go up 62-61 over the Eagles. UTT would then get a defensive rebound, miss a layup, and Bain would gather the board with 23 seconds left. The Eagles would miss a three, and unfortunately the Patriots would get the rebound, which ended the game with a final score of 64-61, in favor of the Patriots. 

Next Up

The Eagles will return back to the Nest to defend home court against Texas A&M University-Kingsville on Thursday, February 2nd, at 5:30pm.

Notable Performances:

Brooklin Bain: 11 points, 13 rebounds, 1 steal

Nakia Cullom: 14 points, 4 rebounds, 1 block, 1 steal 

Kate Bradley: 10 points, 4 rebounds, 6 assists 

Jordan Francisco: 6 points, 6 offensive rebounds, 1 assist