LSUS Women's Basketball Captures RRAC Tournament Title with 64-59 Win Over TAMUSA; Markisic Named Tournament MVP

ALEXANDRIA, La. — LSU Shreveport completed its championship run Sunday afternoon, holding off Texas A&M-San Antonio for a 64-59 victory to claim the Red River Athletic Conference Women's Basketball Tournament title. With the win, the Pilots improve to 27-4 overall, capturing both the RRAC regular season championship for the third consecutive year and the tournament crown. LSUS also secured an automatic berth to the NAIA Women's Basketball National Tournament.

The Jaguars came out firing in the opening quarter, building an 18-7 lead midway through the period behind strong perimeter shooting. LSU Shreveport weathered the early surge and began to settle in late in the first, as Selma Markisic knocked down a pair of three-pointers to trim the deficit to 19-15 at the end of the quarter. The Pilots found their rhythm in the second period, turning defensive stops into transition opportunities. Toni Coleman began to assert herself on both ends of the floor, and a strong closing stretch allowed LSUS to take a 37-26 lead into halftime after finishing the half on a decisive run.

LSUS extended its advantage to as many as 13 points in the third quarter, with Sami Slusarek delivering key three-pointers to keep momentum on the Pilots' side. Defensive pressure remained the difference, as the Pilots forced turnovers and converted them into 35 points. Amandine L'Etang protected the rim throughout the contest, finishing with three blocks and seven rebounds, while Katie Ambrose controlled the glass with nine rebounds. LSU Shreveport carried a 51-40 lead into the fourth quarter.

Texas A&M-San Antonio made one final push in the closing minutes, cutting the deficit to 60-59 with 1:38 remaining. The Pilots responded with poise. Markisic calmly knocked down two clutch free throws with 40 seconds left to extend the lead, and after a defensive stop, L'Etang sealed the victory with two free throws in the final 14 seconds.

Coleman led LSUS with 18 points, nine rebounds, four assists, and four steals, while Markisic added 15 points, four steals, and three rebounds. Slusarek finished with 11 points. Ambrose added nine rebounds, and L'Etang contributed seven rebounds and three blocks. The Jaguars were led by Aniyah Lewis with 17 points and three rebounds, while Kierra Sanderlin recorded a double-double with 10 points and 11 rebounds. Evelyn Lorenzo added seven rebounds, and Hailee Brandon collected six boards.

LSUS shot 38.3 percent from the field and held the Jaguars to 29.2 percent shooting in a defensive battle that featured 58 combined turnovers. With both the regular season and tournament championships secured, the Pilots now turn their attention to the NAIA National Tournament, where they will learn their postseason destination during the selection show on March 5 at 7 p.m. (CT).

For her outstanding performance throughout the tournament, Markisic was named the RRAC Women's Basketball Tournament Most Valuable Player. The Pilots also placed three players on the All-Tournament Team, with Markisic, Coleman, and Paula Gonzalez Herrero earning honors.

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