FORT WORTH, TX:  The Texas Wesleyan University women’s basketball (0-2) team suffered a 72-61 loss against the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma (4-0) in their home opener on Friday.

In the first half, USAO out shot Texas Wesleyan 52%-28%.  The Drovers jumped out to a 26-13 lead.  Then, with 7:46 remaining in the half, the Lady Rams came alive.  Shawndrika Courtney hit a pair of free throws that sparked a 17-4 run that tied the game at 30.  A bucket from USAO’s Nikki Yager in the closing seconds gave the Drovers a 37-34 lead at the break.

With 12:03 remaining in the contest, Pilar Pinkus converted a layup to tie the game at 48.  Christina Brown then hit a three to put USAO back on top.  The margin remained a three with 5:48 to play after Tiffany Hill scored, but the Rams could get no closer.  The Drovers hit all six of their free throws in the final two minutes and pulled away for the 72-61 win.

The Rams benefited from 27 turnovers from the Drovers, but USAO won the battle of the boards 49-37 and out shot the Rams 45%-30%.

Shawndrika Courtney led the Lady Rams with 14 points and nine rebounds.  Britney Helton added 11 points of her own.  USAO’s Stephanie Russell led all scorers with 19 points, while Nikki Yager finished with 15.

The Rams return to action on Saturday when they host UT-Tyler.  That game is scheduled to begin at 5:30 p.m. in the Sid Richardson Center.