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This Week in WAC Men's Basketball - Nov. 8 Posted: Nov 08, 2021 Complete Release (PDF) OPENING TIP The new era of WAC basketball begins this week with 27 games scheduled for the opening week alone. Among the top matchups are Dixie State traveling to top-ranked Gonzaga on opening night, NM State playing their first game in Pan Am in over a calendar year when they host UC Irvine, Abilene Christian visiting Texas A&M on Friday night and Tarleton heading to Allen Fieldhouse to take on third-ranked Kansas. WAC COACHES SELECT NM STATE, SU'S TRAMMELL AS PRESEASON FAVORITES NM State is the preseason favorite to win the Western Athletic Conference men's basketball title in 2021-22, while Seattle U's Darrion Trammell was selected as the WAC Preseason Player of the Year in a vote of the league's 13 head coaches, who could not vote for their own team or players. The Aggies received eight of 13 possible first-place votes and totaled 138 points to earn the top spot. Grand Canyon was second with three first-place votes and 131 total points. WAC newcomer Stephen F. Austin earned another first place vote and 106 points to take third in the preseason poll. Utah Valley was selected fourth while Abilene Christian picked up the final first place vote and 92 total points for fifth. Seattle U was selected sixth, Sam Houston was seventh, California Baptist was eight and Tarleton tied with UT Rio Grande Valley for the ninth spot. Lamar, Dixie State and Chicago State rounded out the poll. Trammell leads the list of Preseason All-WAC honorees. Joining him on the first team is teammate Riley Grigsby, Utah Valley's Fardaws Aimaq, NM State pair Teddy Allen and Jabari Rice, Grand Canyon's Jovan Blacksher Jr., Stephen F. Austin's Gavin Kensmil and California Baptist's Ty Rowell. Second team selections include Abilene Christian's Damian Daniels, Sam Houston teammates Savion Flagg and Demarkus Lampley, NM State's Johnny McCants and Donnie Tillman, Tarleton's Montre' Gipson, Stephen F. Austin's Roti Ware and Utah Valley's Trey Woodbury. MEDIA SELECT NM STATE, UVU'S AIMAQ AS PRESEASON FAVORITES The Western Athletic Conference men's basketball media have selected NM State as the preseason favorite to win the conference crown during the 2020-21 season and Utah Valley post Fardaws Aimaq as the WAC Preseason Player of the Year. The Aggies edged out WAC-newcomer Stephen F. Austin for the top spot. Defending WAC champion Grand Canyon was selected third, followed by reigning Southland tournament champion Abilene Christian in fourth. Utah Valley is fifth, followed by California Baptist, Sam Houston, Seattle U, Tarleton, Lamar, UT Rio Grande Valley, Dixie State and Chicago State. Aimaq was voted Preseason Player of the Year and is joined on the Preseason All-WAC first team by Grand Canyon's Jovan Blacksher Jr., Tarleton's Montre' Gipson, Stephen F. Austin's Gavin Kensmil, Sam Houston's Demarkus Lampley, NM State's Jabari Rice, California Baptist's Ty Rowell and Seattle U's Darrion Trammell. The Preseason All-WAC second team is comprised of NM State pair Teddy Allen and Johnny McCants, Abilene Christian duo Coryon Mason and Reggie Miller, California Baptist's Reed Nottage, Stephen F. Austin's Roti Ware, Utah Valley's Trey Woodbury and Grand Canyon's Holland Woods II. STAT LEADERS BACK Four of the top five scorers in the WAC return this season with Seattle U's Darrion Trammell leading the way after leading the league with 20.5 points per game. SU's Riley Grigsby (17.8), UVU's Trey Woodbury (15.6) and CBU's Ty Rowell (15.3) also return. SFA's Gavin Kensmil also returns after ranking fifth in the Southland last season at 15.9 ppg. Two of the top five rebounders also return, led by UVU's Fardaws Aimaq, who led the league last season with 15.0 rpg. SU's Emeka Udenyi ranked fourth at 8.0 while SFA's Kensmil ranked fifth in the SLC at 7.1. Udenyi also ranked second in the WAC in shooting percentage at .620 and will join Tarleton's Montre' Gipson (.549) and CBU's Elijah Thomas (.544) as returning. Of the new schools, SFA's Kensmil led the Southland last year at .632 CBU's Rowell led the WAC last season in assists (5.8) and returns for another year at CBU. GCU's Jovan Blacksher Jr. was second (5.4), SU's Trammell was third (5.3) and UVU's Woodbury was fourth (3.8). The WAC will also feature three of the Southland top guards as SFA's David Kachelries was third (4.4), ACU's Reggie Miller was fourth (4.4) and LU's Kasen Harrison was fifth (4.0). All five of the leaders in steals return this year. SU's Trammel led the WAC at 2.0 and will be joined by TAR's Shamir Bogues (1.9), DSU's Cameron Gooden (1.7), TAR's Shakur Daniel (1.6) and GCU's Blacksher Jr. (1.5). Four of the top five leaders in steals from the Southland will also be in the WAC, led by ACU's Damien Daniels (2.0), ACU's Miller (1.9), SFA's Roti Ware (1.9) and SHSU's Donte Powers (1.5) Two of the top five shot blockers return, led by UVU's Aimaq (1.7) and SU's Kobe Williamson (1.2). SHSU's Tristan Ikpe also returns after averageing 1.1 blocks per game in the Southland. RETURNING ALL-CONFERENCE PLAYERS Of the five first team All-WAC players in 2020-21, three return as UVU's Fardaws Aimaq, CBU's Ty Rowell and SU's Darrion Trammell are back. Of the second-team selections, GCU's Jovan Blacksher Jr., SU's Riley Grigsby and NMSU's Jabari Rice are all back. Aimaq is the only member of the All-Defesnsive team to return while he is one of three members of the All-Newcomer team that are back, joining TAR's Montre' Gipsonand SU's Trammell. From the Southland, SFA's Gavin Kensmil and SHSU's Demarkus Lampley were first team selections last season. SFA's Roti Ware and ACU's Coryon Mason also returns for their teams after earning SLC Third-Team honors last season. From the Southland All-Demensive Team, ACU trio Damien Daniels, Reggie Miller and Mason all return. UTRGV DEDICATES 2021-22 SEASON TO LEW HILL The UTRGV men's basketball team is dedicating the 2021-22 season to the memory of former head coach Lew Hill, who passed away tragically on Feb. 7 at the age of 55. As part of the dedication, UTRGV men's basketball head coach Matt Figger plans to leave the first seat on the bench open for Hill. The entire team will wear shooting shirts during warmups with the number three, which Coach Hill wore in college, on the front and "Lew Hill" on the back. Additionally, UTRGV Athletics is planning a Lew Hill Tribute night on Feb. 2 when UTRGV hosts Lamar at 7 p.m. at the UTRGV Fieldhouse. LETTERWINNER/STARTER CAPSULE Both Seattle U and Tarleton return all five starters from last season. California Baptist, Dixie State, NM State, Sam Houston and Stephen F. Austin all return four starters. Seattle U also leads the WAC with 13 letterwinners returning while Abilene Christian, California Baptist and Dixie State each return 10 players. GIMME TEN The WAC returns to #WACVegas next March for an expanded WAC tournament. The 10-team tournament will begin on Tuesday, March 8 with a pair of games at Michelob Ultra Arena at Mandalay Bay. The remainder of the tournament then moves back to Orleans Arena beginning on Wednesday with the championship game set for 7 p.m. MT on the ESPN family of networks. KEY NON-CONFERENCE MATCH-UPS The WAC has 20 non-conference games with 2021 NCAA Tournament participants and could add up to two more depending on MTE results in November. The WAC will also have five games, with a possibility of a sixth, against 2021 NIT participants. This is all on top of in-conference games with both Abilene Christian and Grand Canyon. Games vs. 2021 NCAA Tournament Teams Nov. 9 Dixie State at Gonzaga 6 p.m. PT Nov. 12 Tarleton at Kansas 7 p.m. CT Nov. 15 Lamar at Georgia Tech 7:30 p.m. ET Nov. 16 Chicago State at Loyola Chicago 7 p.m. CT *Nov. 19 NM State vs. Utah State TBA ET Nov. 20 Chicago State at UC Santa Barbara 1 p.m. PT *Nov. 20 Dixie State vs. Eastern Washington TBA PT Nov. 22 Dixie State at Southern California 8 p.m. PT Nov. 24 Tarleton at Michigan 7 p.m. ET Nov. 24 California Baptist at Texas 7:30 p.m. CT Nov. 26 UT Rio Grande Valley at Illinois TBA CT Nov. 27 Lamar at Texas Tech TBA CT Nov. 29 Tarleton at Gonzaga 7 p.m. PT Nov. 29 Sam Houston at Texas 7:30 p.m. CT Dec. 1 Brigham Young at Utah Valley 7 p.m. MT Dec. 3 UT Rio Grande Valley at Texas 7:30 p.m. CT Dec. 11 Drexel at Abilene Christian 6 p.m. CT Dec. 11 Stephen F. Austin vs. Liberty 7 p.m. CT Dec. 14 Texas Southern at UT Rio Grande Valley 7:30 p.m. CT Dec. 14 Sam Houston at North Texas TBA CT Dec. 18 Stephen F. Austin at Kansas 7 p.m. CT Dec. 19 Chicago State at Drake 2 p.m. CT Games vs. 2021 NIT Teams Nov. 9 Utah Valley at Boise State TBA MT Nov. 18 NM State vs. Davidson noon ET Nov. 23 Stephen F. Austin vs. Buffalo 6 p.m. ET Nov. 24 Sam Houston at SMU 7 p.m. CT *Nov. 24 Stephen F. Austin vs. Saint Louis TBD ET Dec. 2 Lamar at Mississippi State 7 p.m. CT *Game dependent on MTE results THE WORLDWIDE LEADER As part of an expanded multi-year, multi-platform media rights agreement announced on Aug. 24, all home men's and women's basketball games in the WAC for the next four years will reside on ESPN platforms. In addition, all home football games, as well as other select events, will be housed on ESPN digital platforms.

This Week in WAC Football - Nov. 8 Posted: Nov 08, 2021 Complete Release (PDF) TICKETSMARTER WAC FOOTBALL PLAYERS OF THE WEEK ANNOUNCED Stephen F. Austin's Xavier Gipson, Tarleton's Devin Sterling and Sam Houston's Jaylen Thomas have been named TicketSmarter Western Athletic Conference Offensive, Defensive and Special Teams Players of the Week, respectively, for November 1 through November 7. Gipson, a junior wide receiver from Dallas, turned in three touchdowns on just four catches in Saturday's 31-17 win over nationally-ranked Eastern Kentucky. Those four catches totaled 138 yards as he is second in the FCS in receiving yards per game and third in total reception yards. He also leads the WAC in six offensive categories, including receiving touchdowns. Sterling, a freshman linebacker from Sunnyvale, Texas, had a breakout game for the Texans, finishing with a career-high eight tackles, including 1.5 tackles-for-loss, in Saturday's 42-21 win over Lamar. Previous to Saturday's game, he had just one total tackle in 11 games played. Thomas, a senior defensive back from Houston, provided one of the biggest plays of the day in the top-ranked Bearkats' 59-10 win over Dixie State when he gathered up a blocked field goal and raced it 64-yards to the house to give Sam Houston the early 21-0 lead. It was his second touchdown of the year as he returned an interception for a score in a week two win over Southeast Missouri. Other offensive nominees: Abilene Christian's Kobe Clark moved into third all-time on ACU's career receptions list, bringing in six catches for 143 yards with a score in a 40-25 loss at Jacksonville State … Tarleton's Steven Duncan completed 21-of-32 passes for 319 yards and two touchdowns as the Texans doubled-up Lamar, 42-21. Other defensive nominees: Abilene Christian's Tory Hargrove recorded eight tackles and forced a fumble in Saturday's 40-25 loss at Jacksonville State … Sam Houston's Jahari Kay scored his second career defensive touchdown on a scoop-and-score in a 59-10 win over Dixie State … Stephen F. Austin's Dennis Osagiede led the SFA defense with eight tackles, including a tackle for loss, in the 'Jacks' 31-17 win over nationally-ranked Eastern Kentucky. Other special teams nominees: Abilene Christian's Logan Burke averaged 40.3 yards per punt on three kicks in the Wildcats' 40-25 loss at Jacksonville State …. Stephen F. Austin's Max Quick continued to boom the ball, averaging 47.1 yards per punt with four kicks downed inside the 20 in Saturday's 31-17 win over Eastern Kentucky … Tarleton's Jake Walrath landed his WAC-leading 14th punt inside the 20 to help the Texans to a 42-21 win over visiting Lamar. KICKING OFF Two weeks are left with five games across the WAC this weekend. Top-ranked Sam Houston will look to clinch the AQ7 this week when they host Eastern Kentucky, beginning at noon CT. Tarleton and Abilene Christian renew their rivalry on Saturday afternoon with the Texans heading to Anthony Field at Wildcat Stadium. In AQ7 action, Lamar will host Jacksonville State and Stephen F. Austin will travel to former conference foe Central Arkansas. The final game matches Dixie State hosting DII Fort Lewis, beginning at 7 p.m. MT. All games will be available on ESPN+. STATISTICALLY SPEAKING As a team, Sam Houston leads the WAC in scoring offense (43.4), scoring defense (17.0), total offense (494.5), touchdowns (47), rushing offense (251.25), rushing defense (764.13), yards per rush (6.22), total rushing yards (2010), rushing TDs (20), passing TDs (23), first downs (191), first downs rushing (90), opponent first downs (133), least sacks against (9) and red zone defense (70.0). Stephen F. Austin holds the lead in total defense (314.56), pass efficiency (152.5), defensive pass efficiency (109.2), passing offense (299.7), passing defense (193.3), passing yards (2697), yards per completion (8.4), field goals (18), field goal percentage (85.71), yards per punt (41.5), punt return average (16.18), punt return TDs (3), interceptions (14), interception return TDs (3), turnover margin (+6), first downs passing (111), third-down defense (32.81), fourth-down offense (54.55), fourth-down defense (26.67), sacks by (28) and time of possession (30:57). Abilene Christian is the leader in pass completion percentage (225.9), fumbles recovered (8) and third-down offense (47.27) while Lamar is the leader in least interceptions thrown (5) and red zone offense (88.9). Tarleton has the lone kick return TD this season. Individually, SHSU's Ramon Jefferson leads the WAC in rushing (103.88). SFA's Trae Self is the leader in passing average (270.56) and total offense (288.56). SFA's Xavier Gipson is the leader in reception yards per game (126.63) and all purpose yards (146.25) while DSU's Jalen Powell is the leader in receptions per game (7.50). When it comes to scoring, SFA's Chris Campos is the leader in scoring (90) with a WAC-best 18 field goals while teammate Max Quick is the leader in punting (47.09 yards per punt). Defensively, DSU's Tyrell Grayson is the leader in tackles (9.78) and SFA's BJ Thompson is tied with teammate Rayshad Nichols for the lead in sacks (6.5). SHSU's Markel Perry is the leader in tackles for loss (13). Grayson also has the lead in fumbles forced (3) while ACU's Jordan Paup, TAR's Devin Hafford and SFA's Myles Heard are tied for the lead in fumbles recovered (2). Hafford's six interceptions are also a WAC-best. NATIONALLY RECOGNIZED For the first time this season, Sam Houston is the consensus number one team in FCS, topping the Stats Perform Top 25, AFCA Coaches' Top 25, College Sports Madness FCS Top 25 and Athlon Sports Top 25. Stephen F. Austin is among those teams receiving votes in the Stats Perform Top 25 and AFCA Coaches' Top 25. CLOSE TO CLINCHING With a win over Eastern Kentucky this week, Sam Houston can clinch the AQ7 spot in the FCS playoffs. While they already have a share of the WAC title, they will have to wait until next week's game at Abilene Christian to see if they can clinch it outright. NO NEED TO TURN THE CALENDAR With its 45-27 win over Tarleton on Oct. 30, Sam Houston set a new collegiate record for wins in a calendar year. The game was the 17th for the Kats in 2021, setting an all-time college football record. Previously four teams – Yale (1894 & 1889), Chicago (1899) and North Dakota State (2019) – had won 16 games in calendar years ALL BY HIM-SELF Stephen F. Austin quarterback Trae Self was named Stats Perform FCS Offensive Player of the Week on Nov. 1 after racking up 346 yards on 32-of-39 attempts for five touchdowns to lead the 'Jacks to a 41-27 win over visiting Abilene Christian on Oct. 30. Posting a 198.9 pass efficiency, he was also efficient on the ground, running the ball nine times for 42 yards.

1. Atascocita 2. CE King 3. Summer Creek 4. Magnolia West 5. Longview 6. Friendswood 7. Manvel 8. PA Memorial 9. FB Marshall 10. Galena Park 11. Chapel Hill 12. Kilgore 13. LC-M 14. Lindale 15. Silsbee 16. Sweeny 17. Bellville 18. Anahuac 19. Elysian Fields 20. Beckville 21. Deweyville 22. Lovelady 23. Cushing 24. College Station 25. Highland Park

Anahuac

WOS

Silsbee

Vidor

Evadale vs. Cushing Deweyville vs. West Sabine Hull-Daisetta vs. Lovelady Burkeville vs. Tenaha

Surprised HI even played....

Playoffs: Cushing vs. Evadale West Sabine vs. Deweyville Lovelady vs. Hull-Daisetta Tenaha vs. Burkeville

40 to 14 Cushing.....

34 to 14 Cushing....

30 to 14 WS

22 to 14 WS....

26 to 14 Cushing 14 all WS and Mt. Enterprise....

20 to 14 Cushing....3rd

14 to 6 WS ...3rd

Updates??

WS up 8 to 6 at half.....

Score???

Halftime.....

14 all at Cushing......

WS up 8 to 6 over Mt. Enter prise.....

14 to 6.....cushing....colmesneil recovered on side kick.....

14 to 0 Cushing....