LAREDO, Texas - Sophomore Shawndrika Courtney had 22 points and nine rebounds to lead Texas Wesleyan past Texas A&M-International, 81-71, Saturday evening in Red River Athletic Conference action.

     Texas Wesleyan (4-3, 1-0 RRAC) jumped to a seven-point lead at halftime, 42-35, on the strength of 13 points from Courtney and eight points a piece by sophomore Shayla Coleman and junior Kashae Townsend.

     In the second half, the Lady Rams shot 50 percent (16-32) from the field to pull out the victory over Texas A&M-International (0-7, 0-2 RRAC) to open their Red River campaign.

     "We did a good job of running our offense," head coach Stacy Francis said. "Everyone contributed to tonight's victory. We started off conference-play on the right foot."

     Courtney finished the night shooting 8-of-10 from the field and also had five offensive rebounds.

     "Shawndrika played well for us tonight," Francis said. "She was involved on both ends of the court and she gave us some key baskets when we needed them down the stretch."

     Townsend finished the evening with 14 points and 10 rebounds for her sixth double-double of the season. Coleman added 13 points and eight rebounds.

     Texas Wesleyan shot 47 percent (34-73) from the field, but only 45 percent (13-29) from the charity stripe.

     The Lady Dustdevils shot 33 percent (25-75) from the floor and 30 percent (9-30) from behind the arc. They also shot 57 percent (12-21) from the free-throw line.

     The Lady Rams will be back in action Monday, when they travel to take on conference-rival Houston Baptist. Tip-off is set for 5:30 p.m.