One Game, Two Historic Moments
Wichita, KS- Texas A&M–San Antonio marked a milestone in program history Friday afternoon, earning its first-ever NAIA Women's Basketball National Tournament victory with a 94–82 win over Corban in Wichita, Kan. The Jaguars, making their debut on the national stage, delivered a poised and balanced performance that underscored how far the young program has come.
A&M–San Antonio set the tone early, building a 22–16 lead after the first quarter and maintaining control for much of the afternoon. The Jaguars outscored Corban in three of four periods and used a decisive 28-point third quarter to keep the Warriors at arm's length.
The win not only advances the Jaguars in the tournament but also cements the program's first NAIA postseason victory since starting basketball in 2024-2025.
Three Jaguars reached the 20-point mark or came within a basket of it, highlighting the team's depth and offensive versatility. Kierra Sanderlin scored 20 points and went 8-for-9 from the free-throw line. Hailee Brandon added 20 points and a team-high eight rebounds while playing 38 minutes. Aniyah Lewis finished with 19 points, including 4-of-6 shooting from beyond the arc.
The Jaguars shot 33-of-36 from the free-throw line (91.7%), a margin that proved critical as Corban attempted to rally late. A&M–San Antonio also received 30 bench points, compared to just six from Corban's reserves, giving the Jaguars a steady supply of fresh legs and scoring options.
While Corban center Emilia Bishop posted a dominant 28-point, 11-rebound performance, the Jaguars countered with pressure defense and timely rebounding. A&M–San Antonio forced 21 turnovers and converted them into 23 points, a key difference in an otherwise efficient offensive game for both teams.
The Jaguars also collected 14 offensive rebounds, leading to 13 second-chance points. Their ability to extend possessions helped them maintain momentum whenever Corban threatened to close the gap.
A&M–San Antonio's strongest stretch came in the third quarter, where the team shot 56.3 percent from the field and outscored Corban 28–25. Lewis and Brandon combined for several key baskets during that run, while the Jaguars' defensive pressure disrupted the Warriors' rhythm.
Corban guard Jenna Albrecht added 21 points, including four three-pointers, but the Warriors were unable to overcome the Jaguars' efficiency and depth.
For a team making its first appearance on the national stage, A&M–San Antonio showed the composure of a seasoned tournament contender. The victory marks a significant step forward for the program, signaling its arrival as a competitive force within the NAIA landscape.
With their first tournament win now secured, the Jaguars turn their attention to the next round where they will face Hastings College (NE) at 2:00pm on Saturday March, 14th.