STEPHENVILLE, Texas – The Texans held as high as a 33-point lead in their decisive 81-62 victory over the Lopes on Saturday. 
 
Tarleton (12-10, 5-4 WAC) and Seattle U are the only two teams in the WAC to remain undefeated at home this season.
 
"This is the most prominent and recognized team in the the league and were predicted to win the WAC," said head coach Billy Gillispie. "For our guys to dominate the play on both ends of the court is quite amazing. The best win in the Division I era for Tarleton."
 
The Texans set the tone early as Shamir Bogues instantly stole the ball from tip-off and slammed it home for the first points of the game.
 
GCU (14-8, 5-4 WAC) took their first lead of the game shortly after off a pair of free throws and jumper after three minutes of play. The Texans and Lopes traded the lead four time over the next five minutes until Tarleton began to pull away.
 
The Texans put together a 19-0 run through the middle of the first half with five players contributing to the offensive onslaught. The Lopes were held scoreless for seven straight minutes as Tarleton climbed to a 21-point lead.
 
Tarleton pushed their lead to 24 points heading into the locker room at halftime after shooting over 50 percent from the field and holding GCU to 6-of-20 (.300).
 
The second half opened with more dominance from the Texans, starting with a tough drive to the bucket from KiAndre Gaddy. 
 
Tarleton quickly pushed their lead to 27 points after three minutes had passed to start the second half. Both teams went on a four-minute scoring drought before the Texans peaked their lead for the game. With 11 minutes remaining in the game, Tarleton was on top of the Lopes by 33 points.
 
The Texans shot 75 percent (15-20 FG) from the field in the second half and 61.5 percent for the game while holding the Lopes to 18-of-42 (.429) shooting overall.
 
"What a performance by the Texans," said Gillispie. "We are getting healthy and improving each game."
 
The Texans' lead was too much for GCU to overcome as they stay perfect at home on the season in the 81-62 victory.
 
"What a great week for us," added Gillispie. "The crowd was fantastic and helped us beat a very good team. No one has better fans than Tarleton State University."
 
Gaddy was a dominant and disruptive presence against GCU this game. He was perfect from the field (7-7 FG) and picked up 15 points for the game.
 
Freddy Hicks, the Fireside District Player of the Game, was the top scorer with 18 points (7-10 FG, 2-3 3PT). Hicks also grabbed a game-high eight rebounds.
 
Bogues, who helped set the tone for the game in the opening seconds after tip-off, earned 12 points (5-9 FG) and three rebounds. Lue Williams scored 11 points and grabbed six boards.
 
Jakorie Smith contributed eight points, Tiger Booker picked up six points and Shakur Daniel earned four points with five assists to boot.
 
The Texans head back on the road, but won't have to travel far, for their next game against the UT Arlington Mustangs (7-15, 2-7 WAC) in Arlington, Texas on Wednesday. Tarleton will be looking to pick up their first 'true' road win of the season. Tip-off is set for 7 p.m. and will be broadcast on ESPN+. Fans can also listen in on KTRL 90.5 FM.