WBI Bracket
San Marcos, Texas – The Texas State women's basketball team will be making its first appearance in postseason play since 2008, the school announced Monday as it accepted a bid to the Women's Basketball Invitational. The Bobcats will begin the tournament on Thursday, March 20, as it travels to Stephen F. Austin at 7:00 p.m.
"It's very exciting to be able to be a part of postseason play," head coach Zenarae Antoine said. "Our women's team has worked very hard throughout the women's season and specifically found a way to finish strong in conference play. We were picked ninth in the preseason Sun Belt poll and found a way to tie for third with preseason favorite UALR. It speaks volumes about the efforts of these young ladies."
About the WBI
The Women's Basketball Invitational is in its fifth year of competition. The event provides a choice for postseason worthy Division I Women's teams who wish to continue their season but who do not qualify for the NCAA tournament. The 16 team event will take place over two weeks with all games being played on campus sites.
Last season the University of Detroit beat McNeese State in the championship game of the WBI. Other teams to play in the event last season were Utah State (WAC), Lamar (Southland) and Belmont (Ohio Valley), among others. Prior to last season, the tournament has featured teams such as Rice, Minnesota, Northern Iowa, Seattle, UAB, Central Arkansas, Memphis, Wichita State, Texas A&M Corpus Christi and 2013 NCAA Championship game participant Louisville.
"I'm very thankful to the WBI for recognizing our team's play and including us in their tournament."
About Stephen F. Austin
Stephen F. Austin enters the WBI with a record of 20-12 overall. The Lady Jacks were co-regular season Southland Conference champions and made it to the championship game of the Southland Tournament. SFA is led by 6-2 junior forward Porsha Roberts.
This year SFA has beaten Arizona in Tuscon, Ariz., as well as Sun Belt Conference opponent Georgia State. In the semifinals of the Southland Tournament the Lady Jacks beat fellow WBI Invitee McNeese State by a resounding score of 80-54.
"SFA is familiar foe who has played unbelievably since we left the Southland," Antoine said. "They were co-regular season champs and played in the championship game of the Southland Tournament. That's a testament to the improvement of their program. I look forward to playing them to Nacogdoches."
What's Next
Were the Bobcats to win Thursday's game they will play the winner of the Grand Canyon/Boise State game. Site and date for that game are to be determined.
The radio broadcast of the game can be heard on 89.9 FM KTSW and www.txstatebobcats.com.
