Rating the Lady Hoopsters

NCCAA's statistical ratings announced 

Texas College Coach Pillich reviews Monday's 59-57 game

WAXAHACHIE, Texas -- The Southwestern Assemblies of God University women’s basketball team is ranked #5 in the Central Region according to this week’s Burbridge Rating System. It was announced on Monday by the National Christian College Athletic Association.

The Lady Lions, at 3-9, were #31 of the 51 Division I teams listed.

Indiana Wesleyan University (17-1 record), North Greenville University (So. Caro.) (9-3) and California Baptist University (11-1) were the top three squads in the system that rates teams according to their strength of schedule.

There are 10 schools in the Central Region. The Lady Lions were currently at #5 behind Mid-America Christian University (Okla) (9-3 record), Ecclesia College (Ark), Colorado Christian University and Central Baptist College (Ark).

Individually, Shaquita Roberts (San Antonio, Tx / Byron Steele HS) and Gabby Bruner (Peaster, Tx / Peaster HS) rank in the NCCAA’s National Top 25 in rebounding. Roberts’ average of 10.5 was tied for #4, while Bruner was at #19 with her per game average of 8.1.

Roberts tops the list of shot blockers with 4.5 denials per game. She also leads the nation in the National Association of Intercollege Athletics in the category.

Nia Winston (Garland, Tx / Panola JuCo, Lakeview Centennial HS) made the grade at #20 in steals, with a per game norm of 2.3.

Afterthoughts from Monday’s loss at Texas College

The Head Coach at Texas College, whose Lady Steers rallied for a 59-57 triumph over SAGU on Monday night, Jennifer Pillich, was interviewed about the game.

“That was the first time we beat SAGU since I took over the program in 2008-09,” she said. In fact, the Lady Lions had won the previous eight meetings between the two schools.

The Steers took the lead for good with ninety seconds remaining on a three-ball from the left wing by Connie Espinas, a sophomore guard.

Pillich, in her fourth season in Tyler, said the play spoke a lot for both Espinas and her team’s collective play.

“Connie's confidence was instrumental in this game. Her team believed in her, and most importantly, she believed in herself. I'm proud of the adjustments she made and the collective efforts from her teammates to create opportunities for her to score."

"Tonight was a team effort, however, Espinas made the difference!”

What about SAGU

As for her team’s approach to the game, Pillich, a prep standout at Austin’s Akins H.S. who played collegiately at both Southern Cal and Huston-Tillotson, said “We had to contain (Nia) Winston defensively. Our team had to make sure she didn't get her team involved. She's a great asset to SAGU women's basketball.”

“Overall,” she continued, “Coach (Arlon) Beadles does an amazing job with execution. So we had to make sure we effectively communicated on our defense and make great shot selections against their (zone) defense.”

Entering the game at 1-11, Texas College is clearly rebuilding. “This year, we have a new, young group of players. We are still working to find chemistry and execute more consistently.”

The teams play each other again on February 20 in Waxahachie.

Contact: Mark “Link” Warde, Sports Information Director, at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or at 469-658-2847.