#4 Lady Texans Open Conference Play with 69-64 Road Win at Odessa College

ODESSA, TX — The No. 4 South Plains College Lady Texans opened WJCAC conference play with a hard-fought 69–64 victory over the Odessa College Wranglers on Monday, January 5th, improving to 1–0 in conference play.

South Plains endured a slow start, allowing Odessa to build a lead of as many as 12 points in the second quarter. Turnovers proved to be an early challenge for the Lady Texans, who committed 21 turnovers that led to 22 Wrangler points.

Despite the rocky beginning, SPC settled in and took control behind efficient shooting and strong play on the glass. The Lady Texans connected on 7-of-12 three-point attempts (58.3%), went 16-of-26 from the free-throw line (61.5%), and shot 44.2% from the field (23-of-52).

Defensively, South Plains forced 14 Odessa turnovers and converted those miscues into 16 points. Rebounding was another key factor, as the Lady Texans pulled down 45 rebounds, creating 14 second-chance points.

South Plains built its largest lead of the night of eight points with 9:23 remaining in the fourth quarter. The game featured three ties and three lead changes before the Lady Texans closed it out down the stretch.

Isabel Joao led the way with a dominant performance, finishing with 17 points, 16 rebounds, and two steals. Milani Smith provided a spark off the bench with 13 points, while Dilangue Cruz and Daniela Gongo chipped in nine points apiece.

The Lady Texans will continue conference play on the road Thursday, January 8th, traveling to face Midland College.