Tarleton State Women’s Basketball Hosts Purple Out Game Thursday at EECU Center
On Thursday, February 8, 2026, Tarleton State Women’s Basketball will host its annual “Purple Out” game against Southern Utah. Scheduled for 7 p.m. at the EECU Center, this event marks the Texans’ first game in their newly built facility. Fans attending early will receive a free purple Tarleton State Basketball t-shirt while supplies last. Ticket prices start at $9, with students enjoying free admission to all home events.
Event Highlights
- Game: Tarleton State vs. Southern Utah
- Date: February 8, 2026
- Location: EECU Center
- Time: 7 p.m.
- Ticket Price: Starting at $9
Last season, Tarleton defeated Southern Utah in the WAC Quarterfinals, advancing to their first Conference Final Four during the Division I era. Currently, Southern Utah is performing well, tied for second in the WAC standings with a 3-1 conference record. Tarleton State’s Ava Uhrich was recently honored as the WAC Player of the Week, marking her second award of the season.
Player Spotlight
Shadaisa Brackens has quickly become a standout player for Tarleton State. She was named the Western Athletic Conference Newcomer of the Week for the first time on December 23. Brackens has recorded six double-doubles this season, achieving this milestone faster than any Texan since 2016-17. She recently scored a career-high of 21 points against ACU while grabbing nine rebounds.
Brackens’ Background
- Formerly played for North Texas, appearing in 51 games.
- Scored a cumulative 143 points and secured 82 rebounds before joining Tarleton State.
- Leads Tarleton State in rebounding this season.
New Faces on the Roster
Tarleton State Women’s Basketball has welcomed 12 newcomers to its roster for the 2025-26 season. This number places them among the top programs in NCAA Division I women’s basketball for new players. The team has incorporated a mix of transfers and freshmen, including:
- Four Division I transfers
- One Division II transfer
- Two junior college transfers
- Four freshmen
Strong Starting Lineup
The Texans’ starting five—Gia Adams, Jakoriah Long, Kyriana Jones, Shadaisa Brackens, and Elodie Lutbert—have been crucial to the team’s scoring efforts. Together, these players account for approximately 77.8% of the team’s points. Tarleton State has a 6-3 record when this lineup is on the court, demonstrating their effectiveness in high-pressure situations.
Historic Performance
In a noteworthy achievement, all five starters scored in double figures during back-to-back games from December 2 to December 7, a first for the team in the Division I era. This remarkable feat hasn’t been seen since 1989.
Fans who cannot attend the game in person can still follow the action via ESPN+ or tune into Clayton Neville’s radio commentary on the Tarleton Sports Network.
