Basketball | 12/3/2025 1:40:00 PM
KINGSVILLE, Texas (Dec. 3, 2025) - Coming off a big win, No. 5 Texas Woman's basketball heads into December looking to carry its momentum into the start of Lone Star Conference action. The Pioneers (5-1) will travel south for a two-game road swing, beginning with Texas A&M-Kingsville on Thursday, Dec. 4 at 5:30 p.m., before closing the weekend at Texas A&M International on Saturday, Dec. 6 at 1 p.m.
TWU enters conference play riding a four-game winning streak, highlighted by last week's 87-62 road victory over No. 2 Pittsburg State - their first Top 10 win of the season and the program's seventh straight win over a nationally ranked opponent dating back to 2020-21. With a balanced scoring attack, improved interior dominance and one of the strongest defensive starts in the LSC, the Pioneers look to secure their first conference wins of the 2025-26 campaign.
ROAD TRIP
THE BACKSTORIES
- HISTORY WITH THE JAVELINAS: TWU holds a commanding all-time advantage over TAMUK including an eight-game winning streak entering Thursday's match-up. Historically, the Pioneers have dictated rhythm, pace and interior scoring in this series, winning several of the last meetings by double-digit margins. TAMUK (0-4) enters into the game still seeking its first win of the season, averaging 45.5 points per game while shooting 33% from the floor.
- HISTORY WITH THE DUSTDEVILS: TWU also holds the series edge over the Dustdevils, most recently controlling match-ups through rebounding, transition scoring and defensive pressure. TAMIU (1-3) is led by standout guard Aaliyah McMillan (16.3 ppg) and forward Racheal Emmanuel, who enters the weekend averaging a double-double with 12.0 points and 10.3 rebounds per game.
SOUTH TEXAS SCOUT
- COURTSIDE LOOK AT THE JAVELINAS: The Javelinas enter Thursday's contest at 0-4 to begin the 2025-26 season. All four of their games have been played on the road, making Thursday night their first home game of the year. TAMUK has struggled to generate offensive rhythm early, averaging 45.5 points per game while allowing 63.0 points per game to opponents. From the field, the Javelinas are shooting 33.3%, including 20.9% from three-point range, and they are averaging 31.8 rebounds per game. TAMUK has also faced challenges taking care of the ball, committing 21.3 turnovers per game through their first four outings. Despite their early-season results, the Javelinas have shown competitive stretches in each match-up, and Thursday's home opener provides them their first chance to play in front of a home crowd this season.
- COURTSIDE LOOK AT THE DUSTDEVILS: The Dustdevils enter the weekend at 1-3 to start the 2025-26 season. Like TAMUK, TAMIU has not yet played a true home game, with two road contests and two neutral-site match-ups opening their schedule. Their lone win came against Colorado Christian, a 61-56 victory in their final game of the St. Edwards Thanksgiving Tournament. Offensively, the Dustdevils have been productive, averaging 65.3 points per game, while allowing 76.8 points per game to opponents. They are shooting 34.9% from the field and 26.4% from three-point range, and they get to the free-throw line frequently, making 73 free throws through their first four games. TAMIU's strength lies on the glass, averaging 39.3 rebounds per game, led by forward Emmanuel, who is opening the year with a double-double average. The Dustdevils are committing 20.8 turnovers per game, but they counter that with 10.0 steals per game, giving them the ability to generate points through defensive pressure.
- COURTSIDE LOOK AT THE PIONEERS: TWU enters the opening weekend of conference play at 5-1, coming off a dominant 87-62 road win against No. 2 Pittsburg State. The Pioneers have won three of their last four games, by 25 points or more, and continue to show one of the most efficient and balanced offenses in the LSC. TWU is averaging 74.2 points per game, while holding opponents to 60.2 points per game, giving them a plus-14 scoring margin through the first six contests. From the field, the Pioneers are shooting 47.9%, including 32.5% from three, and they are converting 79.1% of their free throws. On the boards, TWU averages 34.5 rebounds per game and forces 18.2 turnovers per game, scoring consistently in transition. Four Pioneers are averaging double figures, led by Gabby Elliott (17.5 ppg, 10.2 rpg), who continues to post near double-double numbers each night. Averee Kleinhans (15.3 ppg), Jada Celsur (12.3 ppg) and Madi Lumsden (11.0 ppg) round out a high-powered starting group. TWU's combination of interior strength, defensive pressure and balanced scoring has continued the program's trend of strong-early season performances.
-PIONEERS-
