HAWKINS, TX:  The Texas Wesleyan University women’s basketball team (9-9, 7-3 RRAC) suffered a 69-65 loss at Jarvis Christian College (5-12, 3-8) on Saturday.

In the first half, the Lady Rams committed 13 turnovers.  Jarvis jumped ahead 23-14, but the Bulldogs committed 12 turnovers of their own, and 50% shooting in the half brought the Lady Rams back.  Texas Wesleyan scored 11 unanswered points to take a 31-27 lead with under five minutes to play on their way to a 40-35 lead at halftime.

In the second half, the Lady Rams stretched their lead to as many as 12 points at 53-41 with 13:13 on the clock.  However, Jarvis clawed back into the game with a 16-5 run.  With 39 seconds to play JCC’s Louise Ukele hit a pair of free throws to tie the game at 64.  On the ensuing inbound, Jarvis forced a jump ball and regained possession. 

After a Wesleyan foul, Sheree Smiling hit a pair of free throws to give Jarvis its first lead of the half, and the Buldogs held on in the final seconds for a 69-65 upset.

Britney Helton led the Lady Rams with 18 points while Stephanie Reder added 16 points.  Shawndrika Courtney recorded her third double-double of the season.  JCC’s Crystal Johnson led all scorers with 23 points while Sheree Smiling turned in a double-double with 17 points and 12 boards.

The Lady Rams will return to action on Monday, January 30, when they travel to Marshall, TX, to take on Wiley College.  That game is scheduled to begin at 5:30 p.m. and will be followed by a men’s game.