COMMERCE, Texas (Interstat) — In a Southland Conference clash defined by defensive pressure and offensive struggles, the Texas A&M-Commerce Lions used a strong start and a decisive advantage from beyond the arc to secure a 61-52 victory over the Northwestern State Demons in a women’s NCAA Division I basketball game Saturday at Texas A&M-Commerce Field House.

The Lions improved to 11-10 overall, while the Demons fell to an even 11-11. The outcome defied the pregame statistical projections, which had favored Northwestern State.

The most critical phase of the contest unfolded in the opening quarter, where Texas A&M-Commerce established a lead it would never relinquish. The Lions raced out to a 19-15 advantage after the first period, fueled by efficient three-point shooting. They connected on three of their first five attempts from deep, including an early triple from Tiani Ellison just 34 seconds into the game. This early burst set the tone, as Northwestern State spent the remainder of the afternoon attempting to close a gap that fluctuated but was never erased.

Northwestern State’s efforts were continually hampered by frigid shooting. The Demons finished the game shooting just 22 of 67 from the floor, a rate of 32.8 percent, and were a dismal 6 of 27 from three-point range. Their struggles were compounded at the free-throw line, where they made only 2 of 8 attempts. Despite dominating the offensive glass with 15 rebounds leading to numerous second-chance opportunities, they could not convert those extra possessions into efficient offense, posting an offensive rating of just 84.1 points per 100 possessions.

Texas A&M-Commerce, while not prolific, was markedly more efficient. The Lions shot 45.3 percent from the field and a blistering 9 of 19 from three-point range, a 47.4 percent clip that proved to be the statistical difference in the game. They also protected the ball poorly, committing 12 turnovers to Northwestern State’s six, but the Demons could only generate 13 points off those miscues.

The Lions maintained their four-point halftime lead, 36-32, by matching the Demons basket for basket in a low-scoring third quarter where each team managed 14 points. Every time Northwestern State threatened to draw closer, Texas A&M-Commerce found an answer, often from distance. A key sequence late in the third saw the Lions push their lead to 48-42 following a layup from Ahmya Boyce, and they carried a 50-44 advantage into the final period.

In the fourth quarter, Commerce guard Reza Po effectively sealed the game. After Cora Horvath opened the quarter with a three-pointer, Po converted a driving layup while being fouled and completed the three-point play at the free-throw line with 8:20 remaining, extending the Lions’ lead to 56-48. Northwestern State never got within six points again, as their shooting woes persisted down the stretch. The Demons missed 10 of their final 12 field goal attempts in the game’s last five minutes.

Individually, Northwestern State was led by guard Nya Valentine, who scored a game-high 19 points and dished out four assists in 37 minutes. Tiara Abron added 12 points for the Demons. For Texas A&M-Commerce, Po orchestrated the victory with a well-rounded line of 14 points and five assists in a full 40 minutes of action. Boyce contributed 13 points and four assists, while Ellison and Horvath each chipped in nine points. The Lions’ ball movement, though resulting in only three total assists, was timely, and their defense held firm against a relentless but inaccurate Demons attack.

The game was played before an announced crowd of 277. Both teams return to conference play on Thursday, Feb. 12, with Northwestern State hosting McNeese State and Texas A&M-Commerce welcoming Southeastern Louisiana.