In their first game of the new year, Tarleton State Women’s Basketball faced a tough defeat against Utah Valley, who won decisively 74-49 at the UCCU Center in Orem, Utah. The loss extended Tarleton’s record to 1-1 on New Year’s Day games in program history, with their only previous victory against the same opponent back in 2022.
Utah Valley capitalized on Tarleton’s struggles, forcing a season-high 29 turnovers, which resulted in 28 points for the Wolverines. The team, known for its aggressive defense, ranked third in the nation for turnovers forced per game at 28.3, and showcased their defensive prowess early on. Despite a promising start from Tarleton, who briefly led 13-12 in the first quarter, Utah Valley’s relentless pressure quickly turned the tide.
Caroline Lyles and other Texans fought valiantly, with Lyles scoring a notable seven points in the second quarter and contributing significantly to the team’s effort. Nonetheless, the Wolverines secured momentum by converting several key plays, including a four-point play just before halftime that left Tarleton trailing 34-27 at the break.
As the game progressed, Utah Valley asserted themselves, dominating the third quarter, where they increased their lead to as much as 21 points. The final period saw Tarleton struggle offensively, shooting only 27.3% and making just six shots out of 23 attempts in the half.
Despite the setback, there were promising performances from the Texans. Tarleton’s Caroline Lyles recorded a season-high eight points and matched her season-high of seven rebounds, while junior guard recorded similar stats off the bench. Freshman Jaylynn Perez-Richard scored her first collegiate basket during the game, showcasing potential for future contributions.
With the loss behind them, Tarleton State will look to regroup as they continue their Western Athletic Conference (WAC) road trip, facing California Baptist next. The Texans will aim to turn the page and find success in their upcoming matchup, drawing from the lessons learned in this challenging contest.