Lion WBB defeats LeTourneau, 96-41

COMMERCE — The Valerie King era began for the Texas A&M University-Commerce women's basketball in glorious fashion with a 96-41 win over LeTourneau on Monday evening at the Field House.

The Lions move to 1-0 on the season, winning the season opener for the fifth straight season. The win was also the first career head coaching win for King. Monday was an exhibition contest for the Yellowjackets.

Ahmya Boyce (Newport News, Va.) scored the first points of the night, which started a 7-0 run, and the Lions did not trail in the game. A&M-Commerce had a lead as big as 12 in the first quarter.

The Lions outscored the Yellowjackets, 26-6, in the second quarter and 30-18 in the third quarter. A&M-Commerce closed out the fourth quarter on a 21-6 run for the season- opening win. Mary Delgado (Miami, Fla.) made a layup right before the final buzzer to give the Lions a 55-point, which was the largest lead of the game.

In her Lion debut, Jordyn Newsome (Irving – MacArthur) shot eight for 14, including six for nine from the distance for 24 points, she also dished out two assists. Jamy De Kock (Woudrichem, The Netherlands) posted 14 points and Dorian Norris (Lake Dallas) picked up 13 points, both had six rebounds as well.

Mia Deck (Frisco – Lone Star) had 11 points, three rebounds, while her and Delgado led the team with five assists each. Delgado scored 10 points as well.

The Lions shot 52.8% from the field, 52.4 from the distance, and 81.8 from the free throw line. A&M-Commerce's bench scored 19 points and the Lions added eight fast break points.

LeTourneau was led in scoring by Bailey Broughton, who scored 10 off the bench. The YellowJackets shot 27.8% from the field.

Monday night marked the Lion debut in the starting lineup for Newsome, De Kock, and Boyce, while Delgado, Cora Horvath (Obertwart, Austria) and Lucia Hervia (Almeira, Spain) came off the bench to make their Lion debuts.

The Lions remained at home to host UNT-Dallas Friday night.