GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. – For just the third time in program history the Mavericks will host NCAA Division II Tournament games this Friday and Saturday in Brownon Arena. In a unique situation, the South Central Region will have split hosting duties with No. 1 West Texas A&M hosting their half of the eight team regional bracket and No. 2 Colorado Mesa hosting their half. The two semifinal winners from each site will play in the South Central Regional final on Tuesday March 19, on the top remaining seed's home court.
The Mavericks will face No. 7 Texas A&M-Commerce (20-10) in the first quarterfinal game on their half of the bracket. This is the Lions' second program appearance in the NCAA Tournament while the Mavericks are making their fifth all time appearance and fourth under Head Coach Taylor Wagner. The Maverick women's basketball program is 5-4 in NCAA Tournament games and 3-1 when playing at home. The last time the Mavericks hosted a regional was in 2013 when the Mavericks won and went on to the Elite Eight.
To hear from Wagner, Jaylyn Duran, and Kylyn Rigsby on what is to be expected from this upcoming weekend click the video lick in the picture above.
The Mavs' game will tip-off at 6 pm Friday night in Brownson Arena. Tickets can be purchased through the university website by clicking the link provided above.
Following the Maverick's game Brownson will host the other quarterfinal match up with No. 3 Lubbock Christian taking on No. 6 Tarleton State at 8:30 pm.
Catching up on the Mavericks
Jaylyn Duran who has led the Mavericks all season with 18.7 points and to a RMAC Tournament and Regular Season Championship was recently named the South Central Regional Player of the Year. This is the Pueblo natives second Player of the Year honor as she was crowned RMAC Player of the Year at the conclusion of the RMAC regular season.
Sydni Brandon was named RMAC Tournament MVP after she averaged 14.7 points, 8.3 assists and 4.6 assists over the three-game tournament. Brandon's 3.18 assists-to-turnover ratio is currently leading the nation amongst all active Division II women's basketball players.
Kylyn Rigsby, Kelsey Siemons, and Jaylyn Duran were all named to the RMAC All-Tournament Team.
Siemons has totaled 50 blocks this season which led the RMAC and Rigsby has been consistent offensive for the Mavericks as she is their second leading scoring averaging 8.7 points per game.
Scouting the Lions
The Lions are coming of a second round loss in the Lone Star Conference Tournament where they were knocked off by LSC Tournament Champion and No. 1 seeded West Texas A&M.
They currently sit 20-10 on the season and finished with a 14-6 conference record. There only conference losses came from schools who are currently seeded for post season play in the South Central Regional bracket.
The Lions are led by Princess Davis and Chania Wright who are each averaging double-digits with 13.5 and 12.5 respectively.
National Rankings
The Mavericks ranked No. 19 in the WBCA Top 25 Poll as of March 11th which was one spot ahead of their previous ranking.
In the final D2SIDA National Poll the Mavericks finished No. 15 which was three places behind their highest ranking of the season at No. 12 on January 29th.
For a look at both national polls click the links above.
Next Up
If the Mavericks win they will face the winner of the Lubbock Christian and Tarleton State game. This semifinal game will be held in Brownson Arena on Saturday at 7 pm regardless if the Mavericks are taking part in it.
After this there will be a South Central Regional Final game on Tuesday March 19th at the highest remaining seeds home site.
