LUBBOCK, Texas (March 12, 2018) –
Tess Bruffey recorded the fourth triple-double in program history on a night No.2 Lubbock Christian University needed it most. The senior, playing in her final home game, produced 17 points, 13 rebounds and 10 assists to lead the top-seeded Lady Chaparrals to a 56-53 win over No.13/21 and No.2-seeded West Texas A&M. The win provided the NCAA Division II South Central Region crown and advances them to the Elite Eight for a second time in program history. The Elite Eight Tournament begins Mar. 19 in Sioux Falls, S.D. There is a reseeding process and the NCAA will announce the pairings of games Tuesday.
Bruffey's triple-double was just one of many storylines and milestones for the senior who closed out her final home game in a confetti filled Rip Griffin Center, which was to capacity with a standing-room-only crowd of 2,200. The win marks the 50
th consecutive home win for the Lady Chaps, and for seniors Bruffey and
Caitlyn Buttram (the only seniors to play all four
A Sellout Crowd of 2,200 Fans Filled "The Rip"
seasons at LCU) they close out a record of 55-2 (96.5%) in home games. Senior
Delaney Gaddis, who transferred to LCU from Otero Junior College (Colo.) prior to last season, completed her time at LCU without the taste of defeat (27-0).
Here is a list of accomplishment's for Bruffey on the evening:
- Notched the fourth triple-double in program history and matched Nicole Hampton as the only other Lady Chaps to complete the task twice. Bruffey is the 16
th different player at the NCAA Div. II level to complete the task this season and it is the 19
th double-double registered in NCAA Division II play this season.
- Produced a career high 10 assists, which is the most by a Lady Chap since Nicole Hampton had 12 on Mar. 11, 2016 in the South Central Region Tournament against Angelo State.
- Appeared in her 123
rd career game, matching a Heartland Conference record set by Magen Brunson for Drury 2000-2004.
- Scored 17 points to extend her career totals to 1,719 career points, placing her second in conference history (moved past Oklahoma Christian's McKenzie Stanford, who had 1,715 from 2014-2017) and fifth in LCU program history (moved past Mamy N'Kolomoni, who had 1,715 from 1998-2002).
-Her 13 rebounds moved her past Darla Lynch (838 from 1979-1983) and into third place all-time in LCU program history in rebounds (840).
- Claimed Most Outstanding Tournament honors with averages of 16 points, 12.3 rebounds, 6.3 assists and 4.7 blocks in tournament play.
The contest was tightly played between the two teams, and defense was at full display. The two teams combined for 13 blocks, with five coming from WT to match the most by a LCU
opponent this season. In the opening quarter, LCU went on a 7-0 run to take a 9-4 lead, but WT responded with the next five points to tie the score 9-9. WT benefited off four LCU turnovers in the quarter leading to 5-0 scoring advantage in points off turnovers. Bruffey led LCU with seven points in the quarter and took a 16-13 lead into the second quarter.
LCU continuously had a five-point lead in the second quarter, but was unable to extend the lead. They were 0-of-5 from the field with a shot attempt while leading by five. Leading 27-23, LCU ended a 3:22 scoring drought with
Olivia Robertson hitting a 50-foot fling at the horn to take a 30-23 lead at the half. Bruffey nearly completed a double-double in the first half with 12 points and nine rebounds.
Maddi Chitsey, who also claimed All-Tournament honors, scored the opening bucket of the second half and LCU took the game's biggest lead at 32-23. Tyesha Taylor scored six points for WT in the third quarter and helped them respond from the game's biggest deficit with a 13-4 run to tie the game at 36-36 with 1:41 left in the quarter.
Bobbi Chitsey hit a field goal with 45 seconds left in the third quarter to provide LCU a 40-38 lead heading into the final quarter.
Leading 45-43, LCU went on a 7-1 run to build the lead to 52-44 on a layup by Robertson with 1:42 left. Credit the Lady Buffs for rallying late, as they hit three three-pointers in the final 1:11. Madison Parker's trey with seven seconds left cut LCU's lead to 55-53.
Maddi Chitsey was sent to the line for LCU with four seconds remaining. She missed the first, but made the second attempt to place the LCU lead at 56-53. Parker had another good look and put up a shot attempt to tie the game, but the shot did not fall and LCU clinched their second region title in a three-year span.
LCU, 6-0 all-time in South Central Region games (all at home), received 12 points from
Maddi Chitsey to join Bruffey in double figures. WT was co-led by Lexy Hightower and Sydney Walton, who each had 12 points. Taylor finished with 10 points.
LCU's 56 points was a season low, but they are 2-0 when scoring under 60 points. They improve their overall record to 31-1. The 31 wins matches the 2012-2013 win total, which is the second highest single-season win total in program history. LCU improved to 10-0 this season against Lone Star Conference teams. WT, with their 14-game win streak snapped, had their season end at 29-5.
TURNING POINT
In the fourth quarter, WT went a span of 4:56 without a field goal. The dry spell came during LCU's 7-1 run sparked by
Maddi Chitsey's three-pointer.
INSIDE THE NUMBERS
LCU had nine offensive rebounds, yet was outscored 11-2 in second chance scoring. Despite the lack of scoring on second chances, LCU did hog some possession time. In the fourth
quarter, had possessions of 1:02 and 43-seconds inside the final four minutes due to offensive rebounds (two each by
Maddi Chitsey and Robertson).
ALL-TOURNAMENT TEAM
Tess Bruffey, Lubbock Christian - Most Outstanding Player
Maddi Chitsey, Lubbock Christian
Tiana Parker, West Texas A&M
Lexi Hightower, West Texas A&M
Marquita Daniels, Angelo State
