The #20 West Texas A&M Buffaloes closed out their homestand in thrilling fashion, edging the #23 St. Mary’s Rattlers 84-81 in double overtime at the First United Bank Center. It marked the first time since 2010 that the Buffs have played in consecutive overtime contests, and fans were treated to a high-energy, back-and-forth battle from start to finish.
West Texas A&M started the game strong, quickly leveling the score at 3-3 on a jumper by Brock Mishak. The Buffs maintained steady pressure, converting key free throws and showing resilience around the basket. TJ Brown kept the contest close with a fast-break three-pointer, trimming the early deficit and signaling that the Buffs were ready to compete. Fontaine Williams emerged as a central force, knocking down multiple jumpers and free throws to keep the team within striking distance. Despite their best efforts, WT faced a late first-half surge from St. Mary’s, including a buzzer-beating tip-in by Olaverr Camacho that sent the teams to the locker room with WT trailing 32-28.
The second half opened with West Texas A&M tightening up defensively and controlling the boards, allowing them to convert turnovers into scoring opportunities. Jailyn Sledge contributed with key baskets, while Zach Brown’s timely three-pointer midway through the half gave the Buffs a narrow lead. Kemper Jones kept the offense steady with a crucial layup down the stretch, and Fontaine Williams’s clutch free throws, combined with Sledge’s consistent performance at the line, set the stage for an intense finish. Regulation ended tied at 61-61, sending the game into overtime.
The extra periods were a rollercoaster of momentum. Williams and Sledge sparked the Buffs early, while Mishak and Jones delivered key shots and free throws that kept the team ahead. After a series of lead changes and a dramatic tying three-pointer by Jones, the first overtime ended deadlocked at 70-70. In the second OT, the Buffs seized control with Brown’s three-pointer and clutch free throws by Jones. Strong defensive stands and fast-break execution allowed WT to close out the game 84-81. Williams led the team with 22 points and seven rebounds, Mishak contributed 19 points with nine assists, and both Brown and Sledge added 12 points apiece.
The Lady Buffs were equally impressive in their 80-62 Lone Star Conference victory over St. Mary’s, extending their winning streak to 15 games. Senior guard Randi Harding reached a career milestone, surpassing 1,000 points while leading the team offensively. West Texas A&M started slowly, falling behind early, but quickly found their rhythm as Taylor Haggan and Harding combined for key baskets and assists. Henley West added a crucial layup, helping the Lady Buffs stay close despite St. Mary’s early 3-point barrage. By the end of the first quarter, WT trailed just 17-13.
The second quarter saw WT gain momentum with Harding hitting a three-pointer and Haggan converting a tip-in after a missed shot. The team maximized free-throw opportunities, while defensive pressure resulted in multiple turnovers. Karley Motschenbacher’s late-quarter three-pointer and free throws helped the Lady Buffs grab a slim 34-33 lead at halftime. WT fully asserted themselves in the third quarter, forcing six turnovers and converting them into fast-break points. Harding, Kyla Kane, and Haggan led the offensive surge, while back-to-back three-pointers widened the gap to 56-38 heading into the final period.
In the fourth quarter, WT extended their lead with early three-pointers by Kane and Zoey McBroom. Points in the paint, combined with consistent perimeter shooting from Chloe Callahan, kept the Lady Buffs comfortably ahead. Haggan finished strong with 16 points, seven rebounds, and three steals, while Harding added 15 points and four assists. Kane contributed 13 points and five rebounds, and West added 12 points with two 3-pointers and a block. The Lady Buffs maintained control throughout, closing out the game 80-62 and continuing their impressive season run.
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