Coach Francis Audio

     HAWKINS, Texas - Texas Wesleyan was forced into 28 turnovers as they fell to Jarvis Christian, 79-76, in overtime Monday evening in Red River Athletic Conference play.
     
     With the score tied at 74-74, with 2:16 remaining in overtime, the Lady Bulldogs made two consecutive layups to up the lead to 78-74 with 58 seconds remaining. Senior Shayla Coleman made two free throws to cut the lead to two, but Crystal Fisher tallied a free throw for Jarvis Christian for the final margin.

     Texas Wesleyan started out hot, racing to a 9-2 advantage in the first five minutes on the strength of four points from senior Johnna Flemmons. The Lady Rams were playing some tenacious defense forcing the Lady Bulldogs into five turnovers during the stretch.

     Jarvis Christian (4-2, 1-0 RRAC) fought back, going on a 27-16 run to take a four-point advantage at the 5:52 mark. Jennifer Crutcher led the charge tallying 11 points during the run, which including three from behind the arc.

     The Lady Rams closed the half out on a 13-6 run to take a 38-35 lead into the break. Junior Shayla Coleman paced the Lady Rams with eight points down the stretch.

     In the second half, the Lady Bulldogs came back to take a 54-49 lead with 10:55 mark. Shereeka Smiling led the way with eight points.

     After a free throw by Jarvis' Melina Perea with 22 seconds remaining made it, 67-65, sophomore Stephanie Sewell canned two free throws with 15 seconds remaining to tie the score.

     Senior Kashae Townsend led the Lady Rams with 15 points and 10 rebounds, while sophomore Nastassia Brown and Coleman both chipped in with 12 points. Sophomore Stephanie Seweel registered five steals for Texas Wesleyan.

     Texas Wesleyan shot 34 percent (26-76) from the field and 77 percent (24-31) from the free-throw line. The Lady Rams shot a dismal 0 percent from behind the arc.

     Jarvis Christian shot 46 percent (30-65) from the floor and 57 percent (12-21) from the charity stripe. The Lady Bulldogs also shot 50 percent (7-14) from the three-point line.

     Texas Wesleyan will be back in action Saturday when they host conference-foe Langston. Tip-off is set for 5:30 p.m. at the Sid Richardson Gymnasium. Texas Wesleyan split last season with the Lady Lions defeating them in the regular season, but losing in the conference semifinals.