Box Score

     FORT WORTH, Texas - Texas Wesleyan shot a dismal 25 percent from the floor as it fell to Hardin-Simmons, 61-43, Friday afternoon at the Sid Richardson Gymnasium.

     Hardin Simmons, ranked No. 3 in NCAA Division III, had won seven straight games to open the season, before losing right before the Christmas break.

     Hardin-Simmons (8-1) jumped out to an early 12-6 lead at the 13:37 mark of the first half led by Melissa Henley who canned six points during the stretch.

     Texas Wesleyan (7-6) was able to cut the lead to 16-14, four minutes later on the strength of a three-point play by sophomore Nastassia Brown, a bucket by senior Shayla Coleman and a trey from junior Stephanie Reder.
 
     The Cowgirls responded with 19-8 run to close the half and take a 35-22 lead into the break. Diana Martinez led the way scoring 13 points in the first half.

     In the second half, a layup by senior Kashae Townsend cut the Hardin-Simmons lead to 10, but that is as close as they would get, as the Cowgirls closed the game out down the stretch with some gritty defense.

     Junior Shawndrika Courtney led the Lady Rams with 13 points and six rebounds, while Townsend chipped in with eight points and 10 rebounds.

     Martinez led the Cowgirls with 19 points, 11 rebounds, and five assists, while Melissa Henley tallied 12 points and eight rebounds.

     Texas Wesleyan also shot 78 percent (7-9) from the charity stripe and 11 percent (2-19) from behind the arc.

     Hard-Simmons shot 38 percent (21-56) from the field and 77 percent (17-22) from the free-throw line. The Cowgirls also shot 29 percent (2-7) from the three-point line.

     Hardin-Simmons outrebounded Texas Wesleyan, 48-42, and picked up 13 steals along the way.

     Texas Wesleyan will be back in action Jan. 8th, when they travel to take on conference-rival Paul Quinn. Tip-off is set for 6 p.m.