FORT WORTH, TX:  The Texas Wesleyan University women’s basketball team (1-2) earned their first win of the young season by defeating UT-Tyler (0-1) 78-71 at the Sid Richardson Center on Saturday.

A day after poor first half shooting put the Rams in hole against USAO, the Lady Rams shot 47% in the first half and jumped out to a 20-10 lead. 

The Patriots battled back and cut the lead to one at 21-20 with just over eight minutes to play.  Five minutes later the UT-Tyler’s Sha Shead scored to tie the game at 30.  A basket from RaTonya Hunter and a free throw from Shead put the Patriots on top 33-30 with two minutes remaining.  Tiffany Hill and Pilar Pinkus each scored to give Texas Wesleyan a 34-33 lead at the break.

The Lady Rams took control early in the second half and stretched their lead to double digits at 59-49 with 8:52 on the clock.  Again the Patriots fought back and trailed by just four and had possession with 1:00 left in the game. 

Tiffany Hill then sealed the win when she got her fourth steal of the game, scored on a lay-up, and drew a foul with 52 seconds to go.  After Hill’s free throw, the Lady Rams lead was back to a comfortable 77-70 margin.  They would hold on for the 78-71 win.

Stephanie Reder’s 16 points paced the Lady Rams.  Hill finished with 14 points and Shawndrika Courtney scored 10 for Texas Wesleyan.  UT-Tyler’s Sha Shead led all scorers with 23 points.