Women’s Basketball Cracks Final NAIA Top 25 Coaches Poll

SHREVEPORT, La. — The Louisiana State University Shreveport (LSUS) women's basketball team has surged into the national rankings, earning the No. 25 spot in the final NAIA Women's Basketball Coaches Top 25 Poll. Previously receiving votes, the Pilots secured their national recognition with a dramatic 62-61 victory over in-state rival LSU Alexandria, clinching the Red River Athletic Conference (RRAC) Regular Season Championship.

With momentum on their side, LSUS enters the RRAC Tournament riding a 19-game winning streak. The Pilots have been dominant all season, finishing with a 12-1 home record, a perfect 12-0 mark on the road, and a 0-2 record in neutral site contests.

LSUS boasts a potent offense, averaging 73.1 points per game while shooting 43.9% from the field and 32.9% from beyond the arc. Their defensive presence has been just as formidable, holding opponents to 52.4 points per game and limiting them to a 32.0% shooting percentage. The Pilots also control the glass, outrebounding opponents 38.5 to 34.8 per game.

Selma Markisic leads the team in scoring, averaging 13.0 points per game while shooting 42.8%. Helena Galunic contributes 11.6 points per game and leads LSUS in rebounding with 179 total boards, shooting 47.7% from the field. Paula Gonzalez Herrero adds 11.2 points per game with an efficient 44.1% shooting percentage.

Playmaker Alexis Brown leads the team with 87 assists, while defensive standout Erynn Williams has tallied 79 steals. Vicky Parra anchors the interior with 34 blocks this season.

The Pilots will open the postseason against No. 8-seeded Paul Quinn College in the opening round of the Red River Athletic Conference (RRAC) Women's Basketball Tournament. The matchup is set for Friday, February 28, with tip-off at 3 p.m. at the Rapides Parish Coliseum in Alexandria, Louisiana.

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