Since 1919

The Prairie News

Since 1919

The Prairie News

Since 1919

The Prairie News

WT Lady Buffs advance to the Elite Eight

Sports. Art by Chris Brockman.
Sports. Art by Chris Brockman.

On March 17, West Texas A&M women’s basketball team defeated Colorado Mesa 59-56 in the South Central Regional Final at the First United Bank Center in Canyon. With the win, the Lady Buffs advance to their fifth Elite Eight in program history.

The crowd attendance set a season high at 3,365, in what was a back and forth battle between the two teams. The Lady Buffs struggled to go up early missing several key three pointers on back to back possessions four minutes into regulation.

WT was able to tie together a 9-2 run with 12 minutes left in the first half to go up 18-14. Colorado Mesa played aggressive, finding holes in the Lady Buff defense. WT was able to find their stride and go into halftime ahead of the Mavericks, 23-20.

Colorado Mesa came out of the second half strong, but the Lady Buffs were able to keep the lead until 8 minutes left in game. Colorado Mesa’s Selsor Sharaya hit a clutch three-pointer to take the lead at 41-40. However, the comeback was not meant to be as WT’s defense was able to come up big, shutting CMU down for the last 5:55 of the game. WT closed out the game hitting several key free throws.

The Lady Buffs were led in scoring by Devin Griffin and Chontiquah White added 18 points. WT shot 39.6 percent and Colorado Mesa shot 41.5 percent. The Lady Buffs pulled down 38 rebounds compared to Colorado Mesa’s 23.  WT won the battle of second chance points, 22-7 leading to their victory. CMU was led by 16 points by Selsor Sharaya and Hannah Pollart had 15 points.

Following the game, Griffin, senior Casey Land were named to the All-Tournament Team. White was tabbed Tournament MVP.

The Lady Buffs advance to their first Elite Eight since the 2008-09 season. They will travel to Erie, Pa. to take on Limestone College from Gaffney, S.C.  The game is set to tip off on March 25, at 12 p.m. ET.

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