Complete Box Score

ODESSA, Texas – Despite having four players score in double figures for only the second time this season, the inability to hit free throws down the stretch almost cost the Lady Rams their first winning streak in over a month. Wesleyan hit just 11 of 27 second-half free throws, but still held on for a 67-65 win at UT-Permian Basin.

The Lady Rams took the advantage in the first half, hitting 13 of 33 shots, including two of six three-point attempts. UT-Permian Basin, on the other hand, hit just eight of 30 attempts from the field, and made three of ten from beyond the arc. The Lady Falcons did outshoot Wesleyan from the free throw line, but still found themselves down 29-22 at the break.

Both teams stepped it up in the second frame. Though the Lady Rams shot for a higher percentage after the break (42.9% to 42.1%), UT-Permian Basin took ten more shots, outscoring Wesleyan 33-27 from the floor. However, the Lady Rams did spend much more time at the free throw line in the second half, and though they didn’t shoot particularly well, managed to sink one more charity shot than did their opponents.

As a team, Wesleyan shot just 40 percent (12 of 30) from the free throw line in the game, by far their worst performance of the season. They did, however, shoot fairly well from long distance, and that was the difference in the game. The Lady Rams connected on five of 12 three-point attempts, compared to 4 of 17 for UT-Permian Basin.

Teresa Wiseman led the Lady Falcons with 19 points and 14 rebounds. Jessica Hearn scored 13 and Codye Pittman finished with 12. Angie Synatzske scored eight with six assists, and Kim Chaffin scored six with six assists.

Shayla Coleman led the Lady Rams with 19 points and grabbed ten rebounds for her fourth double-double of the season and third in her last six games. Shawndrika Courtney scored 14 with 12 boards for her second double-double of the year. Stephanie Reder recorded 17 points and eight rebounds, both season highs, and Kori Yates scored ten points with six boards and six assists. Kim Cooper also had six rebounds for Wesleyan.

The Lady Rams improve to 10-16 overall and 4-11 in Red River Conference play. They travel to Tyler on Monday to face Texas College. They remain on the road next Saturday, facing Huston-Tillotson in Austin, then return home the following Monday to play #3 Houston Baptist. All games begin at 5:30 PM.