RRAC's Texas A&M-San Antonio defeats Corban to advance to second round of nationals

WICHITA, Kan. (March 13, 2025) – In their first-ever appearance at the NAIA National Women's Basketball Championship Tournament, the Jaguars of Texas A&M-San Antonio powered past Corban University 94-82 in the first round. Corban, from Salem, Ore., concludes its season with a 26-5 record.

 

With their victory, No. 14 TAMUSA advances to the second round of the Wichita Bracket Championship to face No. 11 Hastings College (Neb.) on March 14 at 2 p.m.

 

TaMya Whitemon scored the first field goal for the Jaguars after close to two minutes into the quarter. After a three-pointer from Corban, the Jaguars went on an eight-point run to lead 10-3. TAMUSA continued to dominate 17-7 before the Warriors made their first free throws. A three-pointer from Corban's Jenna Albrecht moved her team to within three with less than a minute left in the period. Two made free throws and a missed three for the Jaguars ended the quarter with a 22-16 lead.

 

In the second quarter, TAMUSA added four baskets before Corban scored its first. As Corban narrowed the deficit by five, the Jaguars regrouped and extended their lead to 30-21. Two free throws from Hailee Brandon pushed the Jaguars to their first double-digit lead, 38-28, since early in the game. Corban then held TAMUSA scoreless for two minutes, scoring seven straight to pull within four at 38-34 with a minute to play. The half closed with TAMUSA ahead 39-36 after Corban outscored them 20-17 in the quarter.

 

The teams kept the score close through the 6:56 mark of the third period, as the Jaguars kicked their offense into gear and led by nine at 53-44. The teams continued to battle, but the Jaguars proved their resilience, keeping the Warriors at bay and ending the quarter with a 67-61 lead.

 

The Jaguars blocked three three-pointers and swatted away two field goals, boosting their lead to 69-61. Clutch free throws from TAMUSA's Aniyah Lewis (2), Jada Turner (2), Hailee Brandon (5), and Evelyn Lorenzo (8) fueled the team's success in the final period. TAMUSA's defense also dominated, deflecting four threes, disrupting seven twos, and denying five free throws, to secure a 94-82 triumph.

 

 

Hailee Brandon led the Jaguars, making 6-of-13 from the field and 8-of-10 free throws, adding eight rebounds, four assists, two steals, and 20 points. Aniyah Lewis tallied 6-of-12 from the field, 4-of-6 from three-point range for 19 points, and 3-of-3 from the charity Stripe. Evelyn Lorenzo scored 2-of-6 field goals and 8-of-8 free throws, adding four rebounds, two assists, four steals, and 13 points. Off the bench, Kierra Sanderlin made 6-of-19 from the field, 8-of-9 free throws, five rebounds, and 20 points.

 

The Warriors were led by Emilia Bishop with 28 points, 11 rebounds, and four blocks; Jersey Huerta with 25 points, six rebounds, and five assists; and Jenna Albrecht with 21 points and five rebounds.

 

 

TAMUSA's stat line includes 41.8 percent from the field, 45.5 percent from three-point range, and 91.7 percent from the charity stripe. The Jaguars totaled 35 rebounds, 12 assists, and eight steals.

 

Corban recorded 50 percent from the field, 23.8 percent from three-point range, and 72.4 percent from the free-throw line, and added 40 rebounds, 15 assists, three steals, and five blocks.

 

 

The Jaguars are looking to capture the bracket title and advance to the 45th Annual Women's Basketball National Championship, March 19-24, at the Tyson Events Center in Sioux City, Iowa.