UT Tyler Women's Basketball Falls 60-56 to No. 21 Western Washington

Patriots Fall Short Against No. 21 Western Washington in DII Tip-Off Classic

The UT Tyler women’s basketball team mounted a determined second-half surge against No. 21 Western Washington on Saturday afternoon, ultimately coming up just short in a 60-56 decision during the DII Tip-Off Classic hosted by Central Washington.

Playing in Ellensburg, Washington, the Patriots outscored the Vikings 35-31 over the final two quarters and held an opportunity to tie the game in the closing seconds. Tylah Hooper paced UT Tyler with 23 points, while Hayley Cumming contributed 16 points and six rebounds. Together, the two players accounted for 39 of the team’s 56 total points.

How the Game Unfolded on Saturday

UT Tyler got on the board first when Cumming sank a three-pointer from the top of the key, and Hooper later hit a shot from beyond the arc that put the Patriots ahead 8-7. Western Washington responded by closing the first quarter on a 7-0 run, taking a 14-8 advantage into the second frame.

Hooper helped jump-start the offense in the second quarter by hitting a pair of free throws before knocking down another three-pointer. Bringing the Patriots within a single point, a 6-0 run was rounded out by Jadyn Middleton’s floater following a free throw from Cumming.

Cumming then converted an and-one opportunity to give UT Tyler a 21-20 lead, capping a 9-1 stretch. However, the Vikings answered before halftime with a 9-0 run of their own, taking a 29-21 advantage into the break with Hooper leading the Patriots with 10 points.

Second-Half Rally Falls Just Short

UT Tyler regrouped after intermission, as Georgia Tomkins scored on consecutive possessions to keep the Patriots within striking distance. The team engineered its biggest push of the afternoon when Hooper scored in transition and subsequently found Cumming for another fast-break opportunity. Cumming converted the resulting free throw to complete a 9-0 run in under two minutes, cutting the deficit to 35-31.

While the Patriots’ late comeback brought them within one point late in the contest, Western Washington answered with critical baskets and free throws to preserve the victory. The Vikings claimed a 60-56 final score after trading possessions down the stretch.

With eight seconds remaining, Western Washington made one free throw to extend its lead to 58-54 before missing the second attempt. Middleton grabbed the rebound, raced down the floor, drew a foul, and converted both free throws with three seconds left to make it a two-point game. Western Washington then secured the outcome by knocking down two final free throws.

Individual Performances and Next Steps

Hooper finished the afternoon shooting 6-for-7 from the field, a perfect 4-for-4 from three-point range, and added seven made free throws. Cumming collected six rebounds and two steals, Tomkins finished with five points and five rebounds, Middleton added six points, and Erinn Gardere chipped in five.

The Patriots close out the DII Tip-Off Classic on Sunday afternoon against tournament host Central Washington. UT Tyler is set to face the Wildcats—who currently receive votes in the national poll—with the opening tip scheduled for 3 p.m. Central.