Women’s Basketball Shows Grit in Texas Wesleyan Tournament

FORT WORTH, Texas – The Texas A&M University–Texarkana women's basketball team opened its 2025–26 season this weekend at the Texas Wesleyan Tournament in Fort Worth, battling through two highly competitive contests against Texas Wesleyan and Oklahoma Wesleyan. Despite a pair of narrow setbacks, the Eagles showed grit, energy, and promise in their season debut.

Game One – Texas Wesleyan 68, TAMUT 66 (OT)

The Eagles tipped off their season Friday night against host Texas Wesleyan, taking the Rams to overtime before falling just two points short in a 68–66 heartbreaker.

TAMUT started strong, holding a 14–12 lead after the opening quarter behind tough defensive pressure and efficient shooting from Nailah Zetrenne and Chioma Treasure Emeh. The game remained tight through halftime, with the Eagles trailing 31–28 at the break. After a slow third quarter, TAMUT surged back in the fourth, outscoring the Rams 20–11 to force extra time.

Emeh led the charge for the Eagles, finishing with 16 points, six rebounds, and six steals. Ty'Shelle Harris was a spark off the bench, posting 12 points while knocking down seven of eight free throws. Zetrenne added eight points and seven rebounds, and Imani Rothschild chipped in eight points and a three-pointer.

The Eagles dominated inside, outscoring the Rams 34–18 in the paint and forcing 30 turnovers that led to 29 points. TAMUT also pulled down 15 offensive rebounds to generate 15 second-chance points, showcasing hustle and physicality throughout the contest.

Game Two – Oklahoma Wesleyan 52, TAMUT 49

Less than 24 hours later, TAMUT was back on the floor for a Saturday matchup with Oklahoma Wesleyan, where another hard-fought effort came down to the final minutes before the Eagles fell 52–49.

The game opened as a defensive battle, tied at 8–8 after the first quarter. Oklahoma Wesleyan edged ahead by halftime, 22–19, but the Eagles responded with energy in the third, shooting 50% from the field to close the gap heading into the fourth. A late push saw TAMUT trim the deficit to one possession, but the comeback came up just short.

Breyionce George paced the Eagles with 15 points and six rebounds, while Emeh added eight points, nine rebounds, and three steals. Freshman Maiya Petit provided a big boost off the bench with nine points on 2-of-3 shooting from beyond the arc, and Evelyn Terraza Alcántar added five points and solid perimeter play.

TAMUT again held its own inside, winning the battle in the paint 26–22 and grabbing 37 total rebounds to OWU's 35. The Eagles also recorded 10 second-chance points and showed improved ball movement, assisting on eight of their 18 made field goals.

Despite the 0–2 start, the Eagles' opening weekend showed resilience, depth, and defensive toughness — setting a strong foundation for the season ahead. The Eagles will be back in action on November 8th as they travel to Nacogdoches, Texas to face off against NCAA Divsion I opponenet Stephen F. Austin in an Exhibition matchup. Tip off is scheduled for 2 pm. 

Stay tuned to @TAMUT_athletics for game coverage, photos, and updates throughout the 2025 basketball season.