Post Game Recap
Written By Rev. Justin C. Jackson
TYLER, Texas — Wednesday night inside a nearly packed gym at Texas College had the feel of real basketball weather — loud, intense, physical, and full of pride on both sides. A mature and well-coached Texas College Lady Steers team brought energy from the opening tip, but when the dust settled, the North American University Lady Stallions proved to be just a little too much, pulling away for a 78–61 road victory.
North American set the defensive tone early, jumping out to a 19–9 first-quarter lead, forcing tough shots and speeding up the pace. Texas College responded in the second quarter, cutting into the deficit and turning the game into a grind. At halftime, the Stallions held a slim 30–28 advantage, with the outcome still very much in question.
The difference came in the third quarter.
North American exploded for 31 points in the period, turning stops into scoring runs and finally creating separation. The Lady Stallions' pressure defense and control of the glass began to wear on Texas College, and the momentum shifted firmly in NAU's favor.
Aliyah Solis led all scorers with 24 points, knocking down four three-pointers and attacking confidently from all three levels. Maurdaisha Powell added 13 points and 7 rebounds, while Savannah Velazquez delivered one of the most complete performances of the night with 10 points, 5 rebounds, 5 assists, and 5 steals. Off the bench, Jerkayla Dickey provided a spark with 11 points, and Ja'naa Johnson contributed strong, physical minutes, finishing with 9 points and 6 rebounds.
There was also an added layer of familiarity in the building, as Solis and Johnson took the floor against a program they once represented. As a Texas College alum, I understand the pride that comes with wearing that maroon and white, and I also recognize the journey that leads student-athletes into new chapters. On this night, both competed with professionalism and purpose, allowing the game — not the moment — to speak.
As a team, North American outrebounded Texas College 44–27, forced 29 turnovers, and held the Lady Steers to 32.2 percent shooting from the floor — disciplined, connected basketball in a hostile environment.
Texas College showed fight for all four quarters and never backed down, feeding off the energy of their home crowd. But on this night, the depth, pressure, and execution of the Lady Stallions made the difference.
In a loud gym, on a familiar floor, with emotions in the air, North American University didn't just win a road game — they showed growth, maturity, and control.
