'Roos March Into SCAC Title Game

CONWAY, Ark. - The Austin College women's basketball team's season will continue for at least one more day as the 'Roos defeated Texas Lutheran 53-43 in the Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference Tournament Semifinals on Saturday, bringing the team's overall record to 15-11 in year one under head coach Olivia Hunt. The 'Roos advance to take on tournament host Hendrix College on Sunday at 2:00 p.m. in the title game.

Lexi Martin paced the 'Roos with 12 points, highlighted by a trio of three-pointers. Avory Miller delivered a strong all-around performance, tallying 10 points, a team-high eight rebounds, and five assists. Brooklyn Matthews also added 10 points on 5-of-10 shooting, along with five rebounds and three steals. Kaylee Smith provided a key offensive spark off the bench, contributing eight points and hitting both of her three-point attempts, including a clutch make late in the final period with the shot clock winding down to help secure the win.

The 'Roos took control of the game early, ending the first quarter with a 17-10 advantage. Austin College extended its lead significantly in the second period, outscoring Texas Lutheran 15-7 to take a commanding 32-17 lead into the halftime break. Texas Lutheran battled back in the third quarter, holding the 'Roos to just four points while scoring 12 to trim the deficit to 36-29 heading into the final frame. However, Austin College closed out the game effectively in the fourth quarter, outscoring Texas Lutheran 17-14 and converting key free throws down the stretch to secure the victory.

Davi'Yanna Jones led the scoring effort for Texas Lutheran with 11 points. Lauren Sansano added 10 points and six rebounds, while Sarahi Jones controlled the glass with a game-high 10 rebounds to go along with six points.

Defensive pressure proved to be a decisive factor, as Austin College generated 11 steals and forced 21 Texas Lutheran turnovers throughout the contest. The 'Roos also held an advantage from long range, knocking down nine three-pointers compared to six for Texas Lutheran.

The 'Roos and Hendrix met twice this season, with Austin College winning both games. Austin College first defeated Hendrix, which finished just behind the 'Roos in the SCAC Blue Division standings this season, at home in January by a score of 75-43, and then last week topped the Warriors 70-59 to secure the division crown. This is Austin College's first appearance in the SCAC Championship since cutting down the nets in 2019-20.