ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (March 29, 2024) – History.

The 2023-24 Texas Woman's basketball team achieved something no other team in program history has ever achieved. They broke records and made history. Tonight, the 2023-24 season came to an end at the National Championship game. While the Pioneers fell short tonight, everyone can celebrate the journey to the mountaintop.

On their way to making history, TWU showed the world who they were. This week, at the Elite Eight, the world had the privilege of seeing who the Pioneers are. Just as they have all season, the Pioneers truly displayed a bigger than basketball mentality on the biggest stage. They showed the world excellent skill on the court paired with excellent character. Their passion, trust and selflessness on the court, and their heart for others off the court showcased the true spirit of the Pioneers.

While we can talk about the game and the result, we must first say thank you. Thank you for being on this journey with us. If you're reading this article, that means you've been with us – every step of the way – through the hard and the good. Thank you for being with us, for filling the stands and for cheering us on. We will reflect on this journey over the coming weeks, but we could not have done it without the support of so many people – thank you Pioneer nation for believing and for giving your all for us. We'll be back.

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On Friday night, TWU (34-5) lost to Minnesota State (32-5) in the National Championship Game, 89-73. After a low-scoring first quarter, TWU was unable to piece together a strong run to overcome the deficit, as they fell to the Mavericks. The Pioneers fought to the very end. They trailed by as much as 24 in the game but cut the lead to 10 with two minutes left in the fourth quarter, but they were unable to diminish the deficit. 

TWU closed the season with eight new team program records:

• Most Wins in a season – 34
• Fewest Losses in a season – 5
• Most Points in a season – 2,826
• Most Assists in a season – 603
• Most Field Goals Made in a season – 978
• Most Field Goals Attempted in a season – 2.141
• Most Free Throws Made in a season – 666
• Most Free Throws Attempted in a season – 858

Furthermore, Ashley Ingram set two individual program records: most points in a season, 717 and most rebounds in a season, 348.

In the game tonight, Ingram led the way with 24 points and 14 rebounds, which marked her 20th double-double of the season. The 14 rebounds also tied her season high. Ingram also dished out seven assists. With her 24 points, Ingram officially moved into third all-time on the TWU program's scoring list, surpassing Jessica Hanna, who played with the Pioneers from 2007-12.

Jada Celsur joined Ingram in double-digits with a career high 20 points. She added five rebounds, two assists and tied her career high in steals with four. Patel added 11 points in the win and also grabbed four rebounds.

The big difference in the contest tonight was turnovers. TWU turned the ball over 30 times for 40 MSU points.

TWU shot more efficiently from the field, 43.9% to MSU's 41.4%. From the free throw line, which has been a strong point for the Pioneers, TWU shot 18-of-21 from the charity stripe, while the Mavericks shot 21-of-28.

Both teams committed 21 fouls across the 40 minutes of action.

TWU also struggled from beyond the arc, going 5-of-15 from the three point line, while MSU shot 10-of-23 from the three point line.

The Pioneers won the rebound battle, out-rebounding the Mavericks 44-32. Ingram led with 14 boards, and Scout Huffman added eight rebounds in the win.

Following the game, Ingram and Huffman were both named to the 2024 Elite Eight All-Tournament team.

After giving up multiple 26-point quarters, the Pioneers made their run in the fourth quarter. A triple by Celsur ignited a 10-0 run with three minutes remaining in the fourth quarter to bring the Pioneers within 10, but MSU closed the final three minutes on an 8-0 run to claim the title.

TWU closed the season as the Lone Star Conference Regular Season Champions, the Lone Star Conference Tournament Champions, the South Central Region Champions and the National Runner-Up.

Hear from Head Coach Beth Jillson and Scout Huffman after the game: https://youtu.be/l32z5ScobH8.