Texas A&M-Commerce Lions fall to A&M and Texas Tech, to face Kentucky next
Nov. 10—By David Claybourn
Herald-Banner Sports Editor
Texas A&M University-Commerce has opened the 2023-2024 basketball season with a tough schedule.
The Lions began the season on Monday with a 78-46 loss at nationally-ranked Texas A&M and then lost 73-46 at Texas Tech on Wednesday.
They are to face No. 16 ranked Kentucky at 6 p.m. on Friday at the Wildcat Challenge in Kentucky. They're also to face Purdue Fort Wayne on Sunday in Indiana before making their home debut at 7 p.m. on Nov. 15 against Science and Arts of Oklahoma.
The Lions shot only 29.6% from the field during their loss to the Aggies, hitting only 4-of-28 from 3-point range.
Jerome Brewer Jr. led the Lions with 13 points to go with five rebounds. Kalen Williams tossed in 10 points. Zondrick Garrett and Evan Phelps both added six points.
Texas A&M spread the scoring around among Hayden Hefner (19), Wade Taylor IV (16), Eli Lawrence (11) and Solomon Washington (10).
The Lions shot 29.9% from the field against Texas Tech, going 5-of-35 from 3-point range. Williams led with 13 points and Brewer finished with 11 points and nine rebounds.
Pop Isaacs paced Tech with 19 points, Darrion Williams tossed in 14 points to go with seven rebounds and Joe Toussaint added 10 points. — A&M-Commerce's women will face two tough games next week at New Mexico on Wednesday and at Texas Tech on Nov. 17.
The Lions opened the season under new head coach Valerie King with a 96-41 home win over LeTourneau.
Jordyn Newsome, a 5-8 junior from Irving MacArthur, shot 6-of-9 from 3-point range to lead the Lions with 24 points. Jamy De Kock tossed in 14, Dorian Norris scored 13, Mia Deck had 11 and Mary Delgado added 10.
Bailey Broughton led the visitors from Longview with 10 points and Ganae Gaines added nine.
The Lions are scheduled to play again at 5 p.m. on Friday in the Field House against UNT-Dallas.
