JACKSONVILLE, Fla., -- In just its second year competing at the NCAA Division II level, Edward Waters University women's basketball has etched its name into the record books with a season defined by dominance, resilience, and historic milestones.
The Lady Tigers are currently ranked No. 24 in the nation in the WBCA Coaches Poll — marking the first Top 25 ranking in program history since transitioning to Division II. With a 23-4 overall record and an impressive 21-3 mark in SIAC play, EWU has firmly established itself as one of the premier programs in the region.
Their remarkable campaign culminated in the program's first-ever SIAC East Division Championship — another historic achievement for the Lady Tigers. Adding to the milestone season, EWU is riding a 14-game winning streak, a new single-season program record, and currently sits ranked inside the NCAA South Regional Top-10 for the first time ever.
A Defining December Moment
The turning point of the season came back in December at the inaugural HBCU Hoops Invitational in Orlando. In a statement victory, the Lady Tigers stunned Division I foe Bethune-Cookman University, 55-46. Although EWU finished as runner-up in the tournament, that performance ignited the squad's confidence and identity moving forward.
After dropping their first three games of the season, the Lady Tigers responded by elevating their defensive intensity to elite levels — and the numbers tell the story.
The Nation's Top Defensive Unit
Edward Waters has emerged as statistically the top defensive team among 290 NCAA Division II programs.
Under head coach Eric Jackson, Jr., the Lady Tigers are allowing just 49.4 points per game and have held opponents under 50 points in nine of their last 10 contests. Even more impressive, EWU is limiting opponents to just 32.0 percent shooting from the field and a staggering 22.5 percent from three-point range — ranking second and first nationally in those categories, respectively.
Their relentless defensive pressure has become the backbone of a team that thrives on discipline, communication, and physicality.
Offensive Firepower and Balanced Leadership
While defense fuels their success, the Lady Tigers boast dynamic offensive weapons.
Junior guard Tan Brown leads the charge, averaging 14.0 points per game — fourth best in the SIAC. The Eustis, Fla. native leads the conference with 65 made three-pointers and averages 2.4 triples per contest. Her ability to stretch defenses and deliver timely scoring has made her one of the league's most dangerous perimeter threats. Brown also ranks among the SIAC's top 20 with 48 steals this season.
In the paint, senior forward Shcira Fowles has been a dominant force on the glass. The Harlem, N.Y. native leads the SIAC with 9.9 rebounds per game, ranking 20th nationally, and sits seventh in the country with 7.7 defensive rebounds per contest. Fowles has recorded eight double-doubles this season while averaging 7.1 points per game. A two-time SIAC Newcomer of the Week honoree, she also ranks ninth in the conference with 2.5 assists per game — showcasing her versatility and court vision.
Running the offense with poise is junior guard Imani Harris. The Bronx, N.Y. product is fourth in the SIAC with 3.3 assists per game and leads the league with a 1.8 assist-to-turnover ratio. Harris is averaging 11.1 points per game and has earned both SIAC Player of the Week and Newcomer of the Week honors this season. She also ranks ninth in the conference with 2.3 steals per contest, solidifying her impact on both ends of the floor.
Additional contributions from Amelya Hatch and Diana Letaru — both earning SIAC Player and Newcomer of the Week honors during the season — have further demonstrated the depth and balance of this electrifying roster.
Postseason Bound with Championship Aspirations
With the conference's best overall record, the Lady Tigers have secured a first-round bye in the upcoming SIAC Basketball Tournament, which begins February 28. Edward Waters will officially open tournament play on Wednesday, March 4, 2026, at the SIAC Tournament hosted in Morrow, Georgia, at the Clayton County Convocation Center in Metro Atlanta.
What began as a season of adjustment in just their second year at the Division II level has transformed into one of the most historic campaigns in program history. From a national ranking and record-breaking win streak to a division title and elite defensive dominance, the 2025–26 Lady Tigers have set a new standard at Edward Waters.
Now, with postseason play ahead and momentum firmly on their side, the Lady Tigers turn their focus toward championship glory — carrying with them a season that has already redefined what's possible for EWU women's basketball.
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