Sul Ross women's hoops continues to make history, clinching a spot in the American Southwest Conference Tournament for the second straight season, a first in program history.
The 2022 ASC Tournament will be February 24-26, hosted by East Texas Baptist University.
The Lobos enter as the #6 seed and will take on #3 Hardin-Simmons on Thursday, February 24 at 5:00 p.m. in Marshall, TX.
"I feel like we've had a lot of good learning experiences this year and been tested a variety of ways," said head coach Katie Novak. "That makes me feel like we're ready. It hasn't always been smooth sailing, but the important thing is we're peaking at the right time."
Under the guidance of head coach
Katie Novak, the Lobos finished the season 14-11 for their first winning season since 2003. They also finished 10-10 in the ASC, the most single-season conference wins in program history since joining the American Southwest Conference.
For Novak, she has more wins per season than any coach in program history since joining the ASC.
"We're very proud of coach Novak, the team, and their continued strides in making history," said Sul Ross President Pete Gallego.
"It has taken years of building to see more results on paper than anyone else thought we might have. In the last few years, it's been about getting the players here and changing the culture. It's nice to see that reflected. But I still don't feel we've even hit our potential yet this year."
Sully's season saw a pair of conference recognitions and more history along the way. Both
Alexis Carmosino and
Marley Rokas were named Co-Players of the Week during the regular season.
The Lobos proved they were here to play after a 77-73 win over #16 East Texas Baptist at the Gallego Center. The win snapped an eight-game losing streak to the Tigers.
"When we're playing together, I think we're really dangerous," said Novak. "We have more experience this year. Last year all the tournament stuff was brand new. We know what it's going to take to compete and be where we want to be. It's just a matter of executing and giving it our all."
As a team, the Lobos averaged 70.4 points per game while giving up 64.5.
Alexis Carmosino led the Lobos in points and rebounds per game with 13.4 and 7.1. She also led the way with 50 total steals.
Vania Hampton was not far behind with 12.3 points and seven rebounds per game, adding 45 steals on the season.
The Lobos shot 39.6% from the floor, 30% from beyond the arc, and 72% from the free throw line.
Sully made history last year, appearing in the ASC Tournament for the first time since 2016-2017. They went on to win their first tournament game in program history, 75-65 over Howard Payne. With the win, the Lobos then hosted the remainder of the tournament for the first time in program history. They then bowed out in the ASC Semifinals, 72-56 to East Texas Baptist.
"I think it gives us the confidence that we belong in this position. We can compete with anybody when we come ready to play. I see more of that belief this year because we have a group of returners that did it last year and have a lot more confidence as a group this year."
Looking to Thursday, the Lobos were 0-2 against Hardin-Simmons this season.
They first fell 85-67 at home on January 15. A 25-10 deficit at the end of the first quarter proved to be the difference in a game that was 60-57 in favor of the Cowgirls the remaining three quarters.
Alexis Carmosino led all scorers with 25 points and had a game-high 10 rebounds.
Similar to their first clash, a 21-6 first quarter for HSU led to a 79-62 loss for the Lobos on February 17. The last three quarters saw a slim 58-56 advantage for the Cowgirls.
"It's going to take a complete game," said Novak. "Looking back at both times, we had one really poor quarter. When playing a ranked team you can't do that. Playing a complete 40 minutes doesn't mean without mistakes, but where our heads are in the game. Being focused on what we need to do and playing scrappy for 40 minutes is what we're looking for."
Hosted by East Texas Baptist University
Ornelas Gym | Marshall, Texas
Championship Information
Bracket |
History |
Records
ASC Basketball
Statistics | Twitter #ASChoops |
NCAA Division III
Championship Apparel Store
Admission: $10 day pass for Adults, $5 day pass for children under 18
Parking: Available at the Mayborn Campus Center and across the street
Pets are not permitted at ASC championship events except for certified service animals
that are properly trained, marked, and leashed.
Live Stats | Live Video
QUARTERFINALS: Thursday, February 24
Game 1:
#4 UT Dallas (13-7) vs. #5 LeTourneau (13-8)
12:00 p.m.
Live Stats | Live Video
Game 2:
#1 Mary Hardin-Baylor (21-3) vs. #8 Belhaven (10-10)
2:30 p.m.
Live Stats | Live Video
Game 3: #3 Hardin-Simmons (18-4) vs. #6 Sul Ross State (14-11)
5:00 p.m.
Live Stats | Live Video
Game 4:
#2 East Texas Baptist (19-4) vs. #7 Concordia Texas (9-16)
7:30 p.m.
Live Stats | Live Video
SEMIFINALS: Friday, February 25
Game 5:
Game 1 winner vs. Game 2 winner
5:00 p.m.
Live Stats | Live Video
Game 6:
Game 3 winner vs. Game 4 winner
7:30 p.m.
Live Stats | Live Video
CHAMPIONSHIP: Saturday, February 26
Game 7:
Game 5 winner vs. Game 6 winner
6:00 p.m.
Live Stats | Live Video
2022 All-Tournament Team
Announced after the Championship Game
