FORT WORTH, TX: The Texas Wesleyan University women’s basketball team (3-4, 2-0 RRAC) defeated Red River Athletic Conference foe Wiley College (0-4, 0-1) by a score of 70-67 in the Sid Richardson Center on Monday.

The Lady Rams outshot the Wildcats 49%-39% in the first half and were in the driver’s seat with a 40-28 lead at halftime. 

Their lead continued to be a comfortable 60-48 with just under ten minutes to play, when Wiley began to turn the tide.  The Wildcats cut the lead to four with an 11-3 run that brought the score to 63-59 with 4:32 on the clock.  After a freethrow from Texas Wesleyan’s Sheleatha Simmons, Amber Boykins and Jaziman Smith each scored to cut the lead to 64-63.

Pilar Pinkus responded with a bucket, but a free throw from Wiley’s Talisha Doss brought the score to 66-64 with 1:08 to play.  After a pair of free throws from Britney Helton, Tameka Beamon hit a three to put her team down a point at 68-67 with 18 seconds to play.  Tiffany Hill hit two free throws for the Lady Rams with 14 seconds to go.  The Wildcat’s three-point attempt at the buzzer missed its mark, and the Lady Rams improved to 2-0 in conference play with the 70-67 win.

“Britney [Helton] really stepped up and mad a lot of good hustle plays for us tonight,” said Head Coach Stacy Francis.  “Pinkus also had another consistent night for us.”

Helton’s 14 points and eight rebounds led the team.  Pinkus finished with 12 points.  Wiley was led by Brandi Stuckey’s 15 points, while Smith and Boykins each added 14.

The Lady Rams return to action on Tuesday when they host Wayland Baptist in a non-conference contest.  That game is scheduled to begin at 5:30 p.m. in the Sid Richardson Center.