FORT WORTH, Texas - Sophomore Shawndrika Courtney had 13 points, six rebounds and four block shots to lead Texas Wesleyan past Hillsdale Baptist College, 87-51, Tuesday evening at the Sid Richardson Gymnasium.

     Texas Wesleyan (8-4) forced the Lady Saints into 31 turnovers and 30 percent (17-57) shooting from the field. The Lady Rams also had four players in double figures.

     "Our defensive pressure controlled the game tonight," assistant coach Ashanti Nix said. "The last two games our team defense has really improved."

     The Lady Rams jumped out to an early 10-3 lead, at the 16:40 mark, on the strength of six points by Courtney and four by senior Ashley Walker.

     Hillsdale Baptist (8-5) fought back, going on a 10-2 run over the next six minutes to take the lead, 13-12. Gabrielle Willis led the way with five points during the stretch.

     The Lady Rams ended the half on a 26-12 run to take a 13-point lead. Junior LaRhonda Hunter had 10 points down the stretch, making three treys. Courtney and freshman Shamona Hollingsworth both chipped in with six points each during the run.

     In the second half, Texas Wesleyan came out on fire, outscoring the Lady Saints, 37-16, in the first 15 minutes. Freshman Stephanie Sewell had nine points and junior Kashae Townsend added seven points during the stretch.
    
     The Lady Rams increased their lead to as much as 39 points, before settling on the 36-point victory. The win is the fourth win in a row for Texas Wesleyan.

     Texas Wesleyan shot 49 percent (30-61) from the floor and 57 percent (5-7) from behind the arc. The Lady Rams also shot 58 percent (23-40) from the free-throw line.

     Hillsdale Baptist shot 18 percent (3-17) from three-point land and 56 percent (14-25) from the charity stripe.

     Walker finished the evening with 12 points and a game-high 12 rebounds.

     "Ashley has really picked her game up these last few contests," Nix said. "She almost back to the level of play she is used to before her injury last season."

     Hunter led all scorers with 16 and dished out three assists. Hollingsworth finished with 12 points and three rebounds, while junior Shayla Coleman ended with a game-high five assists.

     The Lady Rams return to action Jan. 10, when they host conference-foe Texas College at 5:30 p.m. The game can be heard live at www.ramsports.net.