CANYON, Texas (Oct. 30, 2026) – The No. 6 Texas Woman's basketball team opened its 2026-27 campaign with a 66-57 victory over MSU Denver on Friday afternoon at the First United Bank Center in the D2CCA Tip-Off Classic.
The Pioneers (1-0) began their pursuit of a fifth consecutive Lone Star Conference regular season championship and fourth straight LSC Tournament title with a nine-point victory over the Roadrunners (0-1).
After a tightly contested opening quarter, TWU found its offensive rhythm in the second period.
The Pioneers outscored MSU Denver 23-14 in the quarter to take a 34-23 advantage into halftime.
Texas Woman's maintained their lead throughout the second half, holding a 49-36 advantage entering the final quarter before securing their first victory of the season.
TWU shot 43.5% from the field and 45.5% from beyond the arc, connecting on 10 of its 22 three-point attempts.
The Pioneers also recorded 18 assists, 33 rebounds, five blocks and five steals.
Defensively, TWU held MSU Denver to 37.5% shooting from the field and 23.5% from three-point range.
The Roadrunners connected on just four of their 17 attempts from beyond the arc.
The victory marked a strong start for the Pioneers, who entered the season ranked sixth nationally in the Women's Basketball Coaches Association NCAA Division II Preseason Poll and were selected first in the LSC Preseason Poll.
PRIME PERFORMERS
- Julie Kasonga led the Pioneers with a double-double, recording 16 points and 10 rebounds. Kasonga shot an efficient 75% from the field, connecting on six of her eight attempts. She also added two blocks and an assist in 32 minutes of action.
- Jaylee Moss made an immediate impact in her season debut, finishing with 16 points while shooting 55.6% from the field. Moss connected on five of her seven three-point attempts, shooting 71.4% from beyond the arc. She also contributed three rebounds.
- Madi Lumsden opened her senior campaign with 11 points, six rebounds and five assists. The LSC Preseason Player to Watch shot 44.4% from the field and connected on one three-pointer.
- Avery McConnell directed the Pioneer offense, recording a game-high nine assists while adding three rebounds and two steals.
- Calyn Dallas provided a spark off the bench finishing with nine points on three three-pointers in her TWU debut.
BY THE QUARTER
- FIRST QUARTER:The Pioneers and Roadrunners battled through a defensive opening period, with TWU holding an 11-9 advantage after the first 10 minutes of action. TWU connected on three shots from beyond the arc to establish its early lead. Despite shooting 23.1% from the field, the Pioneers used their perimeter shooting and defensive effort to remain in front. MSU Denver was limited to 30.8% shooting from the field and connected on just one of its five three-point attempts.
- SECOND QUARTER:The Pioneers found their offensive rhythm in the second quarter, outscoring the Roadrunners 23-14 to extend their lead to 34-23 at halftime. TWU shot 46.2% from the field and connected on four of its six three-point attempts, shooting an impressive 66.7% from beyond the arc. The Pioneers also capitalized at the free throw line, converting seven of their eight attempts during the period. TWU's 23-point second-quarter performance proved to be the difference, giving the Pioneers an 11-point advantage heading into the locker room.
- THIRD QUARTER: TWU continued its efficient offensive performance coming out of halftime, shooting 62.5% from the field during the third quarter.The Pioneers outscored MSU Denver 15-13 in the period, extending their lead to 49-36 entering the final 10 minutes of play. TWU connected on five of its eight field goal attempts while holding the Roadrunners to 30.8% shooting from the field.The Pioneers defensive effort also kept MSU Denver scoreless from beyond the arc for the second consecutive quarter.
- FOURTH QUARTER: MSU Denver made a late offensive push in the fourth quarter, outscoring TWU 21-17 in the final period. The Roadrunners shot 58.3% from the field and connected on three of their five three-point attempts in an effort to close the deficit. However, the Pioneers maintained their offensive efficiency, shooting 50% from the field and connecting on two three-pointers during the final 10 minutes. TWU's strong second-quarter performance and consistent offensive production throughout the second half proved enough to secure the 66-57 season-opening victory.
NEXT UP
The Pioneers return to action Saturday, Oct. 31, for their second game of the D2CCA Tip-Off Classic against Southern Arkansas. Tipoff is scheduled for 2:15 p.m. at the First United Bank Center in Canyon, Texas.
-PIONEERS-
