LSU Shreveport uses dominant second quarter to secure RRAC women’s title over Texas A&M–San Antonio

ALEXANDRIA, La. — LSU Shreveport used a decisive second-quarter surge to seize control and held off Texas A&M–San Antonio late, earning a 64-59 victory in the Red River Athletic Conference Women’s Basketball Tournament championship Sunday night at Laborde Earles Coliseum.

The Pilots outscored the Jaguars 22-7 in the second quarter to turn a four-point deficit after one into an 11-point halftime lead, 37-26. That stretch proved to be the difference in a game where Texas A&M–San Antonio opened strong, leading 19-15 after the first quarter and making a late push in the fourth that ultimately came up short.

LSU Shreveport’s defense dictated much of the game’s flow. The Pilots forced 28 turnovers and converted them into 35 points off turnovers, repeatedly capitalizing on miscues to create separation. They also held the Jaguars to 29.2% shooting from the field (19 of 65), including a long stretch in the second quarter when Texas A&M–San Antonio struggled to generate quality looks.

Guard Toni Coleman led LSU Shreveport with a game-high line of 18 points, nine rebounds, four assists and four steals in 35 minutes, setting the tone on both ends of the floor. Selma Markisic added 15 points, knocking down three 3-pointers, while Katie Ambrose contributed six points and nine rebounds as the Pilots finished with a 41-37 edge on the glass and 20 points in the paint.

Texas A&M–San Antonio stayed in contention behind its perimeter shooting and bench production. Aniyah Lewis paced the Jaguars with 17 points, including five 3-pointers in 36 minutes, helping TAMUSA to a 10-of-33 performance from beyond the arc. Kierra Sanderlin posted a double-double with 11 points and 10 rebounds in 27 minutes, and the Jaguars’ reserves chipped in 19 bench points to keep the margin manageable despite LSU Shreveport’s midgame run.

After both teams scored 14 points in the third quarter, LSU Shreveport entered the fourth leading 51-40. Texas A&M–San Antonio mounted one final charge, outscoring the Pilots 19-13 in the final 10 minutes and trimming the deficit to five by the final horn, but the early damage from the second quarter and LSU Shreveport’s timely free throws — 10 of 15 at the line — preserved the result.

LSU Shreveport finished 23 of 60 (38.3%) from the field and 8 of 28 (28.6%) from 3-point range, with 16 assists on its 23 made baskets. The Pilots also recorded 17 steals and five blocks in a turnover-heavy championship game that featured 58 combined giveaways. The victory gives LSU Shreveport the RRAC tournament crown and momentum heading into postseason play, while Texas A&M–San Antonio closes its conference tournament run having pushed the champions to the final possession.