The #14 South Plains College Lady Texans basketball team competed in the 2026 NJCAA Region 5/Southwest District Tournament this past week at the OC Sports Center in Odessa, Texas, and saw a premature exit after falling in the first round to #23 Collin County Community College.
The Lady Texans faced Collin County last Wednesday, losing 85-71. SPC trailed 45-29 at halftime, and even though they outscored them in the second half, it was too little too late.
A big contributor to the loss was the huge discrepancy in shooting percentages. Collin County shot 56% from the field, 38% from three-point range and 70% from the free throw line, while SPC shot 37% from the field, 30% from three and 76% from the free throw line.
SPC bested Collin County 22-7 in free throws made, 14-13 in second chance points and won the turnover margin by two, while Collin County bested the Lady Texans 33-26 in rebounds, 19-8 in assists, 19-12 in points off turnovers and 26-18 in points in the paint.
Lady Texans statistical standouts included Angelina Joao with 21 points behind 7/12 field goal shooting and six three-pointers made, adding three rebounds, an assist and a steal, Isabel Joao with 16 points behind 6/9 free throws made, adding 15 rebounds, two steals, an assist and a block, Signe Nordvik with eight points behind ¾ free throws made, adding four rebounds and an assist, and Maya Braxton-Young with seven points, four steals, two assists and two rebounds.
The loss dropped the Lady Texans to 22-7 overall and eliminated them from the Regional Tournament, which Lady Texans Head Basketball Coach Ara Baten reflected on.
“We are obviously disappointed as a group that we weren’t able to advance but felt like Collin played very well. In a win and advance, lose and your out situation this happens at times,” Coach Baten said. “I thought our kids played hard and competed for four quarters but just couldn’t overcome the early deficit. I am proud of our team, just wished we could have had a different result.”
The Lady Texans now await the announcement of the NJCAA National Championship tournament selections as they hope for a bid.