CANYON, Texas (March 2, 2024) – A 21-point lead in the fourth quarter was enough to dodge a 20-0 West Texas A&M run, as Lubbock Christian University completed a regular sweep over the Lady Buffs and clinched their second consecutive West Division title with a 61-58 win Saturday at First United Bank Center in a Rivalry On The Range matchup and the regular season finale. LCU completed the regular season with a 21-8 record and their 16-6 finish in Lone Star Conference play will send LCU to the Lone Star Conference Championship in Frisco, Texas as the No.5-seed and they will face No.4-seed Texas A&M International Friday at 8:30 p.m. at Comerica Center.
The Lady Chaps had two players score in double figures, led by Grace Foster, who had 22 points and seven rebounds. Maci Maddox tacked on 14 points, six rebounds and two steals and Audrey Robertson added seven points and two steals.
The Lubbock Christian offense was productive from downtown, pouring in nine threes on 23 attempts. Four Lady Chaps had a pair of three-point field goals (Foster, Maddox, Shaylee Stovall and Kennedy Chappell).
WTAMU (18-12, 13-9) was led by a 14-point performance from Karley Motschenbacher, who also added nine rebounds. They also received 11 points from Grace Alvarez and 10 points from Hollie Stalder.
How it Happened
After jumping out to a 6-4 advantage, Lubbock Christian went on an 11-0 run with 6:15 left in the first quarter, culminating in a three from Maci Maddox, to increase its lead to 17-4. Foster nailed a three-pointer to close the quarter's scoring and LCU entered the quarter break with a 24-8 advantage. Lubbock Christian relied on its three-point shooting in the period, knocking down four shots to account for 12 of its 24 points. WT was 1-of-10 from the field in the quarter.
The Lady Chaps maintained their lead in the game's second frame and entered halftime with a 39-26 edge. Lubbock Christian dominated in the paint, scoring 10 of its 15 points close to the basket. Foster had 10 points in the quarter to lead LCU at the break with 17 points. WT was able to find their shooting touch after the sluggish opening quarter, as they shot 50% (6/12) in the second quarter.
Lubbock Christian went on a 7-0 run in the third quarter, punctuated by a basket from Maddox, to expand its lead to 49-30 with 4:12 to go in the third quarter. WT responded with an 8-0 run and LCU entered the fourth quarter with a 54-38 edge. Lubbock Christian knocked down three three-pointers in the third quarter to score nine of its 15 total points. Two of the three three-pointers were drained by Stovall, who had six points in the quarter.
Lubbock Christian started tacking on points in the fourth almost immediately, going on a 5-0 run, finished off by Kennedy Chappell's three, to grow the lead to 59-38 with 9:22 to go in the contest (LCU's largest of the game). The bucket would turn out to be LCU's final field goal of the game, as WT would go on a 20-0 run (included three three-pointers). WT made seven consecutive field goal attempts. Leading 59-58, LCU was finally able to end their nine-minute scoreless drought with a pair of free-throws from Maddox with 16 seconds remaining.
Game Notes
» Lubbock Christian lit it up from three-point land, knocking down nine treys in the game. The total was the most since they had nine at Western New Mexico on Jan. 20.
» The Lady Chaps never trailed in the game, marking the fifth game this season in which they never trailed (second in a road game).
» LCU was solid from the free-throw line, going 13-of-14 (92.9%) from the charity stripe. Foster made all six of her attempts.
» Grace Foster led the Lady Chaps with a game-high 22 points, which marked her 11th performance this season with at least 20 points scored.
» The LSC has not had divisional play in each season they have been part of the conference, but LCU has claimed three divisional titles in the LSC (2019-20 season was LCU's first in the LSC), winning previously in 2021 and 2023. Last season, the division winner automatically received the No.1 or No.2 seed based on the better division leader. The rule was changed heading into this season, with LSC record determining all seedings.
» LCU improved to 15-3 when leading at the half. They also moved to 18-0 when leading after three quarters.
» The Lady Chaps improved to 10-6 all-time against West Texas A&M and they are 3-4 against WT when playing in Canyon.
What's Next
The eight-team field in the LSC Championship will gather in Frisco Friday to begin the three-day tournament. LCU and TAMIU have the final game on Friday's docket, scheduled for an 8:30 p.m. tip.
