No. 1 LSUS Set to Face No. 4 Xavier (La.) in RRAC Semifinals Saturday

SHREVEPORT, La. -- LSU Shreveport women's basketball, the No. 1 seed in the Red River Athletic Conference Tournament, will take on No. 4 seed Xavier University of Louisiana in the semifinal round on Saturday, Feb. 28, in Alexandria, La. Tip-off is scheduled for 3 p.m., with a trip to the RRAC Championship game on the line.

The Pilots advanced to the semifinals in commanding fashion Tuesday night at The Dock, rolling past Our Lady of the Lake University, 84-41, in the quarterfinal round. LSUS set the tone early and never looked back, showcasing the balanced attack and defensive intensity that has defined its season.

LSUS is powered by standout guard Selma Markisic, who continues to lead the offensive charge at 17.9 points per game while contributing 3.2 rebounds, 2.6 assists, and an impressive 3.0 steals per contest. Toni Coleman anchors the defense and impacts every facet of the game, averaging 12.6 points, 5.5 rebounds, 3.8 assists, and 4.7 steals per game as one of the top defensive playmakers in the conference.

The Pilots have also welcomed back Paula Gonzalez Herrero, who has returned to the lineup after missing much of the season due to injury. She is averaging 12.1 points and 3.4 rebounds per contest, providing another scoring threat and veteran presence as postseason play intensifies.

Inside, Ally Fleenor and Amandine L'Etang control the paint on both ends of the floor. Fleenor averages 10.9 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 2.1 assists per game, while L'Etang contributes 4.4 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 2.5 blocks per contest. L'Etang ranks No. 3 nationally in total blocks with 73 and recently broke the LSUS single-season blocks record, anchoring a defense that has consistently shut down opponents in the halfcourt.

As a team, the Pilots are averaging 72.4 points, 39.4 rebounds, 15.7 assists, 15.5 steals, and 4.0 blocks per game, reflecting their up-tempo style and defensive pressure that has overwhelmed opponents throughout the year.

Xavier (La.) enters the semifinal after a 66-55 victory over LSU-Alexandria in the opening round of the tournament. The Gold Nuggets started fast and closed strong to secure their spot in the semifinals.

XULA is led offensively by Shania Swan, who averages 12.4 points per game, and Alicia Blanton, who adds 11.3 points per contest and leads the team on the glass with 7.3 rebounds per game. Tiarra Tillison directs the offense with 4.3 assists per game while also contributing 2.1 steals per outing. As a team, the Gold Nuggets average 56.2 points, 37.3 rebounds, 11.2 assists, 8.8 steals, and 3.1 blocks per game.

Saturday's matchup features the conference's top seed and one of its most dynamic defensive units in LSUS against a resilient Xavier squad that has shown the ability to control tempo and finish games. With championship aspirations within reach, the Pilots will look to lean on their depth, defensive pressure, and postseason experience as they battle for a spot in the RRAC title game.

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