Lady Stallions Buck the Saints in Gritty Victory
Written by Rev. Justin C. Jackson, Sports Information Director
Stafford, TX — In a battle that came down to the wire, the North American University Lady Stallions outlasted the Our Lady of the Lake University Saints, securing a hard-fought 63-57 victory on Wednesday night at Stafford MSN.
The Lady Stallions (4-4, 2-4 RRAC) leaned on a balanced offensive attack and relentless rebounding to hold off the Saints (4-5, 3-3 RRAC) in a game defined by physicality and momentum swings.
First Half Surge
The Saints came out strong, taking a 19-18 lead after the first quarter, powered by Carlea Owens' dominant presence in the paint. Owens, who recorded a double-double with 18 points and 11 rebounds, was a thorn in the Lady Stallions' side all evening.
However, North American found their rhythm in the second quarter. Behind the playmaking of Elisa Peralta and the gritty effort of Keasia Robinson, the Lady Stallions outscored the Saints 22-15 in the frame to take a 40-34 lead into halftime.
Second Half Tension
The third quarter turned into a defensive chess match, with both teams struggling to find the bottom of the net. The Lady Stallions managed just eight points in the period, but their defensive effort held the Saints to 10, keeping North American ahead by four entering the final quarter.
Down the stretch, it was the one-two punch of Robinson and Peralta that sealed the deal. Robinson was a force on the boards, racking up a game-high 16 rebounds to go along with 18 points. Peralta's court vision and clutch scoring (16 points, 9 rebounds, and 5 assists) kept the Saints at bay.
Key Contributions
D'Marchay Scott added nine points and six rebounds, while Maurdaisha Powell chipped in 10 points, including a timely three-pointer that helped swing the momentum late in the game.
For the Saints, Julia Plata kept her team in contention with a 14-point effort, knocking down four shots from beyond the arc.
Postgame Reflections
"We've been preaching effort and execution all season, and tonight, it paid off," said Head Coach N. Davis. "Keasia's dominance on the boards and Elisa's leadership were the difference-makers."
With this victory, the Lady Stallions improve to .500 on the season and gain momentum heading into their next conference matchup.
Looking Ahead: Texas A&M-San Antonio Preview
The Lady Stallions are set to take on the Texas A&M-San Antonio Jaguars this Saturday at 1:00 PM in Stafford. Here's what to watch for:
Keys to Victory
- Dominate the Glass: The Lady Stallions have thrived on rebounding, led by Keasia Robinson's relentless hustle. Winning the battle on the boards will be critical to controlling the tempo.
- Defensive Intensity: North American's ability to limit second-chance opportunities and force turnovers will play a key role against the Jaguars' sharpshooters.
- Balanced Scoring: Players like Peralta, Powell, and Scott must continue to contribute offensively to keep the defense honest and avoid over-reliance on one player.
Players to Watch
- Keasia Robinson: Fresh off her double-double (18 points, 16 rebounds), Robinson's inside presence will be crucial against a physical Jaguars squad.
- Elisa Peralta: Her leadership as a playmaker and scorer (16 points, 9 rebounds, 5 assists) will be instrumental in breaking down the defense.
- Maurdaisha Powell: A proven shooter from beyond the arc, Powell's ability to hit clutch shots could be the difference.
Up Next
Mark your calendars and come support the Lady Stallions as they aim to ride the momentum of Wednesday's win into Saturday's showdown. Let's pack the stands and show the Jaguars what it means to face NAU!
Stay tuned for more updates here at Stable Talk!
