Texas pride runs deep — and the rivalry rolls on.  A season defined by grit ends with one final fight on the national stage.

BUFFALO, N.Y. — When the final horn sounded Thursday night in the United States Collegiate Athletic Association Women's Division I National Semifinal, the scoreboard read Paul Quinn College 71, North American University 68 — a narrow margin that captured the intensity of a game worthy of the national stage.

The Lady Stallions battled for forty minutes, trading momentum and physical play with their fellow Texas program in a game that felt every bit like a championship matchup before the championship itself.

And fittingly, it came down to the final minutes.

First Half: Stallions Set the Tone

North American University came out aggressive and composed early.

The Stallions controlled the first quarter with strong defensive pressure and efficient offense, taking a 14–11 lead. In the second quarter, NAU found its rhythm offensively, outscoring Paul Quinn 23–13 and heading into halftime with a 37–24 advantage.

Ball movement and energy fueled the surge. The Stallions were attacking the boards, pushing tempo, and forcing the Tigers to adjust.

For a moment, it looked like NAU had seized control of the semifinal.

Second Half: Paul Quinn Responds

Championship-level teams respond — and Paul Quinn did exactly that.

The Tigers flipped the momentum in the third quarter with a 21–14 run, cutting into the Stallion lead and setting up a tense fourth quarter.

In the final frame, Paul Quinn continued its push, scoring 26 points while capitalizing on key possessions down the stretch to secure the 71–68 victory.

Stallions Who Stepped Up

Even in defeat, several Lady Stallions delivered standout performances.

Savannah Velazquez led NAU with 16 points, 8 rebounds, and 5 assists, showcasing the leadership that earned her national recognition earlier in the week.

Maurdaisha Powell added 14 points and 8 rebounds, battling inside and converting critical free throws.

Aliyah Solis finished with 12 points, 6 rebounds, and 3 steals, impacting the game on both ends of the floor.

Akyra Hodges also contributed 12 points and 7 rebounds, giving the Stallions strong interior presence.

Defensively, Jerkayla Dickey was relentless, recording 5 steals and helping disrupt the Tigers' rhythm throughout the game.

As a team, NAU pulled down 43 rebounds and forced 19 turnovers, reflecting the physical identity that carried the Stallions throughout the season.

Respect Across the Rivalry

Credit goes to Paul Quinn, who executed down the stretch and earned the semifinal victory.

With two Texas programs battling on the national stage, the game reflected the growing strength of basketball in the Lone Star State.

And with the Tigers advancing to the championship game, the Stallions send one message north of Buffalo and back home to Texas:

Bring the trophy home.

Texas pride runs deep, and the USCAA National Championship belongs in the Lone Star State.

End of a Remarkable Season

The loss marks the final game of the 2025–2026 season for North American University, a campaign filled with milestones.

The program celebrated:

• Multiple USCAA All-Americans

• Student-Athlete of the Year honors

• Academic national recognition

• Coaching Staff of the Year

And in just three seasons, Coach Davis has already become the winningest coach in North American University women's basketball history.

The foundation has been built.
The culture has been established.
And the national stage now knows the name North American University.

The Rivalry Continues

This matchup marked the third meeting of the season between NAU and Paul Quinn — and every one of them carried postseason energy.

The respect is real.

The competition is real.

And the rivalry is just getting started.

For now, the Lady Stallions close the book on a hard-fought season — one defined by growth, resilience, and a team that never backed down.

But if history tells us anything…

This story isn't finished.

The Stallions will be back. 

Written By Rev. Justin C. Jackson
Sports Information Director
North American University