GAME NOTES
LIVE STATS
The Prairie View A&M women's basketball team tips off the 2012-13 campaign on Friday night in Houston as they'll face Rice University at 7 p.m. in Tudor Fieldhouse. Lady Panthers head coach Toyelle Wilson said she expects the atmosphere in the season-opener to be electric as her team tries to overcome an unfortunate turn of events.
The two-time defending SWAC Tournament Champions suffered a loss after thieves stole their Game Day shoes and personal items from a van while at a team dinner on Thursday night at the Chili's restaurant on Buffalo Speedway and Westpark in Houston.
"It is unfortunate that student-athletes who work so hard in preparation for the benefit of their university must deal with this type of issue especially on the eve of their season opener against Rice," Prairie View A&M Athletic Director Fred Washington said.
The alumnus community has rallied around the basketball team. Along with the always-loyal Gold Members fan club, Prairie View A&M supporters are expected to have an increased presence at the 7 p.m. tip off to back the Lady Panthers.
“We really rely on our fans, the alumni, the student body and the Gold Members,” said Wilson. “They play a big part of being our sixth man. When you get that many people in the stands rooting and cheering for you, it's almost like it's a home game. I think we are going to have a great fan base Friday night.”
Washington agrees.
"I have been pleasantly surprised by the efforts of our alumni, fans and the general public to reach out and support our team in their time of need,” Washington said. “It is a reflection of the citizenship that makes the Prairie View A&M family and Houston community great"
Prairie View A&M was picked to win the SWAC in Wilson's third year in addition to featuring SWAC Preseason Player of the Year Latia “Puff” Williams. Unlike last season in which nine newcomers dotted the roster in PV's season opener, experience won't be a problem for the Lady Panthers as their entire roster returns for this season.
In addition to Williams, a senior who averaged 14.2 points and eight rebounds per game, All-SWAC Preseason First Team senior guard Kiara Etienne returns to the fold after earning SWAC Newcomer of the Year honors in 2012. Etienne followed Williams with 13 points per game and a team-high 58 three pointers made.
“I'm expecting a lot from (Williams),” Wilson said. “The first thing I'm expecting is leadership, not only verbal leadership but leadership through example. The second thing is we are expecting scoring from her.”
Rice leads the all-time series over Prairie View A&M 9-3 with the Lady Panthers winning last year's season opener 61-58 in Prairie View behind a defensive effort which saw them hold Rice to only five points in the final 3:48.
“We have evenly matched teams,” Wilson said. “Both teams match up really well. We are both quick and athletic. It's an in-town rivalry almost...both teams are recruiting the same kids. Both teams get hyped up for that season-opening game. There is a definite excitement that we can go and battle a Conference-USA opponent and challenge them to win games.”
The Lady Panthers return home on Tuesday night as they'll host Stephen F. Austin at 5:30 p.m. in the Baby Dome.
