STEPHENVILLE – The Texans went off against Huston-Tillotson on Wednesday at Wisdom Gymnasium, establishing multiple season records in route to a 114-56 victory over the Rams.
“Good win for the Texans and a sorely needed one for sure. We’ve been in kind of a funk since Freddy went out and the Jakorie situation. No other way to put it,” said head coach Billy Gillispie. “This group is resilient, 6-6 and a lot of teams would be a lot worse off. A lot of players did a lot of good things tonight and hopefully it will be a momentum builder as we head in to a very grueling 18-game conference schedule.”
The Texans’ Player of the Game Lue Williams dropped a 30 piece (10-17 FG, 6-9 FT) tonight and is now the leading scorer for the Texans this season. Including tonight, a Texan has scored 30 or more points only five times in the past five seasons, now Williams is one of only four Texans to have reached that milestone in the previous five seasons. He also grabbed six rebounds and made four assists. Shamir Bogues picked up 15 points (7-8 FG), five rebounds, three assists and a season-high six steals. KiAndre Gaddy scored a season-high 15 points, tied a game-high seven rebounds and made two steals. Shakur Daniel recorded a team-high eight assists against the Rams, scored 12 points and recorded four steals. Jakorie Smith picked up his second seven rebound game of the season along with eight points and two steals. Garry Clark recorded eight points, six assists and four rebounds. Jalen Thomas picked up a season-high eight points and earned three rebounds and assists. Tiger Booker picked up six points and three steals. Coreyoun Rushin earned four points and three rebounds. Noah McDavid returned to the court for the first time since Nov. 7, recording four points and two rebounds. Rod Brown earned four points and five rebounds.
With the win over Huston-Tillotson (4-9, 2-3 RRAC), Tarleton (6-6, 0-0 WAC) is now 4-0 at home on the season for the first time in 7 years. The Texans finished the game with a 58-point margin of victory, their largest of margin since Feb. 9, 2021, when they routed McMurry 112-54. Consequently, that was also the last game Tarleton scored 100 or more points against their opponent. Going back even further, the last time the Texans scored 114 points or more was Nov. 21, 2015, against Bacone in a 116-49 thrashing. The Texans recorded their first double-digit three-point game of the season. As mentioned earlier, Williams is only the fourth Texan in the past five seasons to score 30 or more points in a game. Tarleton set new season records in rebounds (51), assists (29) and steals (21).
“We wish we were 12-0 and I sincerely believe we should be, but we are in a great position as we complete our change in divisions,” said Gillispie. “We have a lot of things to do but not one team in Division 1 doubts that Tarleton is a bonafide division 1 member and a contender. I am really proud of our players because they love and play for each other and Tarleton State University.”
Tarleton led this game for all but the first 43 seconds of the first half. The Texans quickly grew their lead to double digits after five minutes of play. By the end of the first half, Tarleton led the Rams by 28 points. With just over four minutes left in the game, the Texans established their greatest lead of the game of 61 points. Tarleton dominated every facet of the game, finishing with a 114-56, and 58 point margin, victory over the Rams.
“The conference season will be a challenge and we need every person to help us defeat our conference foes,” added Gillispie. “I’m sure our marketing people will be at their best to ensure sellout crowds in our conference competitions. Merry Christmas and we will see you on the 29th against UTA. By the way, they messed up our smokestack on campus, didn’t they? They need to pay.”
Tarleton will open their WAC play at Wisdom next Thursday, Dec. 29, against UT Arlington (5-8, 0-0 WAC). This will be the first consecutive home game for the Texans, as they’ve only played four out of 12 games this season in Wisdom Gymnasium. Tip-off is set for 7 p.m. CT and there will be New Year’s Eve giveaways and $3 food combos available.
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