FORT WORTH, TX:  The second and third ranked teams in the Red River Athletic Conference hooked up in the Sid Richardson Center on Saturday.  The Texas Wesleyan University women’s basketball team (6-7, 4-1 RRAC) jumped ahead early and held off a furious rally to take a 94-82 win over Texas A&M International University (10-6, 6-2).

The Rams came out firing, and the Dust Devils were unable to slow the attack.  TAMIU’s pressure forced 32 Texas Wesleyan turnovers, but the Lady Rams never lost their cool.  Texas Wesleyan shot 45% in the first half and 52% in the second half while holding TAMIU to 28% shooting on the game.

The game went back-and-forth through much of the first half but an 11-2 run put the Rams in control at 42-30 with 1:13 remaining in the first half.  Texas Wesleyan led 46-34 at the break, and their momentum carried over into the second half.

The Lady Rams stretched their lead to 18 at 59-41 and continued to hold a double-figure advantage until the final four minutes.  With four minutes to play, the Dust Devils scored nine unanswered points to pull with in five at 82-77 with 2:24 remaining.  TAMIU got as close as four, but the Rams hit each of their final eight free throw attempts to hold on for the 94-82 win.

Shawndrika Courtney had a career night for Texas Wesleyan in just her third game back since suffering a fracture in her hand.  Courntey finished with 27 points, one shy of her career high, and matched her career best with 19 rebounds.  Britney Helton added 18 points while Pilar Pinkus finished with 14 for the Lady Rams. 

Jermina Tomlinson led the Dust Devils with 24 points while Vanessa Villarreal finished with 21.  Nicole Gipson recorded a double-double for TAMIU with 12 points and 10 boards.

The Lady Rams will return to action on Monday, when they host UT-Permian Basin in RRAC action.  That game is scheduled to begin at 5:30 p.m. and will be followed by a men’s game.