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In just their second season, Texas A&M University–San Antonio’s men’s and women’s basketball programs are continuing to establish their identities in the Red River Athletic Conference (RRAC), with the women’s team emerging as one of the league’s top contenders and the men steadily building towards long-term success. The National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics-affiliated RRAC has 13 member institutions located in Louisiana, New Mexico and Texas.
The women’s program has quickly become a conference force. Ranked No. 2 in the RRAC standings, the Jaguars hold a 12–4 overall record and a 9–1 mark in conference play, along with a six-game winning streak. The team is also unbeaten at home this season, posting a 7–0 record at the University Recreation Center.
The success follows a strong inaugural campaign in the 2024-25 season in which A&M-San Antonio reached the RRAC Tournament and produced major individual honors, including All-Conference recognition for Evelyn Lorenzo and Player of the Year honors for Natalia Trevino. That strong foundation has carried into year two, as the Jaguars continue to combine experienced leadership with consistent production across the roster.
“In just two years, our men’s and women’s basketball programs have made remarkable strides, establishing a foundation built on effort, integrity, and resilience,” said A&M-San Antonio Athletic Director Darnell Smith. “We are intentionally building a championship mindset and a culture of excellence that develops leaders, unites our community and sets the standard for Jaguar Basketball.”
A recent 93–58 win over Louisiana Christian showcased the women’s team’s depth and defensive pressure. Lorenzo, a senior, leads the team with an average of 14.1 points per game, while junior Aniyah Lewis averages 10.4 points and Kierra Sanderlin contributes 9.0 points per game.
“The energy at our games is palpable and really motivates our players. We go out there as a team and give it our all every time and I could not be prouder of the effort our women give each game,” said Chris Minner, head coach for the women’s team.
While the women have surged to the top of the standings, the men’s program continues to take steps forward in its own second season. After debuting last year, the Jaguars returned with a mix of veteran players and newcomers, focusing on development and establishing consistency in conference play.
Highlights include a recent 85–76 victory against LSU-Alexandria, showcasing the team’s ability to perform in close, late-game situations. Several games have been decided in the final minutes, including a 78–76 loss to Louisiana Christian that came on a last-second 3-pointer. Through January, the men hold a 4–12 overall record and a 3–7 mark in RRAC action.
“Our men put in the work every day, and as a program, we remain process oriented. They’re leaders across the campus and are building a strong foundation for sustained success,” said Chris Dial, men’s basketball head coach.
Senior guard Paul Minjoth has provided leadership on and off the court, while sophomore Antwone Gonzales leads the team in scoring at 14.5 points per game. Junior guard Dezmon Dudley is averaging 10.6 points per game, helping anchor the Jaguars’ backcourt as they navigate a demanding conference schedule.
Both teams will return home later this month for a stretch of conference matchups at the University Recreation Center. A&M-San Antonio will host Jarvis Christian on Thursday, Jan. 29; Texas College on Saturday, Jan. 31; and Xavier University of Louisiana on Thursday, Feb. 5. The full schedule is posted and tickets can be purchased on the Jaguar Athletics website.
The Jaguars will also take part in a marquee matchup on February 21 against Texas A&M-Texarkana, which will serve as A&M-San Antonio’s official Homecoming game. The event is expected to draw students, alumni, faculty and community members to campus as the University celebrates its traditions while showcasing its newest athletic programs.
As the programs progress through their second seasons, the Jaguars are focused on more than immediate results. For the women, the goal is to sustain championship-level play and make another postseason run. For the men, it is about laying the groundwork for future success through experience and steady growth.
Together, the teams represent a young but rapidly developing chapter in A&M-San Antonio Athletics — one defined by resilience, competitive spirit and a growing presence in the Red River Athletic Conference.
