The Trinity University Women's Basketball team takes on Illinois Wesleyan and East Texas Baptist in high-level hoops this weekend.
 
Last week, the Tigers (5-2, 1-0 SCAC) lit up the scoreboard. Trinity secured their first conference victory with a 90-72 win over Schreiner, followed by a dominant 88-53 home win against Dallas Christian College. Kylie Minter (League City, Texas / Clear Springs) led the charge with 36 points on an impressive 12-of-17 shooting, including 6-of-7 from beyond the arc. Josie Napoli (Beaverton, Oregon / Valley Catholic) contributed 27 points across the two games. Against Dallas Christian, Skye O'Rourke (Austin, Texas / Vandergrift) set a new career high with 14 points while also grabbing seven rebounds. The team totaled 21 steals and shot an impressive 48% (69-of-143) from the field.
 
Preview - High Level Hoops
 
The Tigers will play in Calgaard Gymnasium this weekend against two high-quality opponents. On Friday, December 27th, the Tigers will take on nationally-ranked Illinois Wesleyan at 6:00 PM. Then, Trinity will play against East Texas Baptist on Sunday, December 29th at 4:00 PM.
 
On the No. 3 Illinois Wesleyan Titans: The Illinois Wesleyan University Women's Basketball team has started the season with a perfect 10-0 (3-0 CCIW) record. According to D3hoops.com, they are ranked third nationally. The Titans have secured impressive victories over top opponents such as Hope College, the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, Washington University in St. Louis, and the University of Chicago. Illinois Wesleyan's success is driven by one of the nation's top offenses, ranking in the top 25 for both scoring offense, averaging 78.9 points per game, and field goal percentage at 44.4%. Guards Lauren Huber and Ava Bardic lead the team, each averaging over 15 points per game. The last meeting between Illinois Wesleyan and Trinity University was in 2013, with the Tigers defeating the Titans 86-71. Historically, Trinity holds a 3-0 record against Illinois Wesleyan.
 
On the East Texas Baptist Tigers: ETBU has had a strong 9-2 start to the season. However, while their record is impressive, some of their opponents have struggled, as the navy and gold Tigers hold wins over Schreiner, Rhodes, St. Thomas, and Centenary—teams with a combined record of 7-27. Notably, ETBU defeated each of these teams by at least 14 points. In their most recent game, ETBU pulled off an upset against then-second-ranked Wartburg College 64-47. Guards Madison Hurta and Payton Hicks lead the team offensively, as they are the only two players averaging over 10 points per game. Despite their limited scoring leaders, ETBU's defense has been exceptional, holding opponents to just 32% shooting from the field and 34% from beyond the arc. The last time Trinity faced ETBU, the Tigers earned an 80-71 victory. Overall, Trinity holds a 3-1 record against ETBU in their all-time series.
 
Looking Ahead
 
The Tigers will return home against Schreiner on January 6th.