LADY RAMS KICK OFF HOOPS SEASON WITH WIN

November 2, 2007

Box Score

FORT WORTH, TX:  The Texas Wesleyan University women’s basketball team (1-0) knocked off Hillsdale Free Will Baptist College (0-1) 66-59 in their season opener on Friday.

Texas Wesleyan took a 32-25 edge into the locker room on the strength of a tremendous scoring outburst from senior guard Moneke Smallwood.  Smallwood poured in 15 in the first half, eclipsing her previous career-high of 12.

The Rams appeared to be on their way to putting the game away when Smallwood fed Nanika Brochu for a layup that brought the score to 41-31 with 14:31 to play.  However, the Saints rattled off seven unanswered points to climb back into the contest.

In the final seven minutes, the game rolled through four ties.  Hillsdale snatched the lead at 50-48 on a jumper from Ashley Lamb with 6:14 to play and led until a pair of free throws from Brittany Turner gave the Rams a 60-59 edge with 2:03 on the clock.

In the final two minutes, stifling pressure from the Rams forced four turnovers and the Rams were able to pull away for the 66-59 win.

Texas Wesleyan scored 19 points off of 18 turnovers from the Saints.  The Lady Rams also led 10-4 in fast break points.

Smallwood finished with a career-high 19 points.  Kim Gatlin added 10 points.  Turner finished with nine points (including a perfect 7-for-7 from the free throw line) and a team-high eight rebounds.

Delia Kimble led the Saints with 19 points and 10 rebounds.

The Lady Rams return to the court on Monday when they host John Brown University.  That game is scheduled for a 6:00 p.m. start in the Sid Richardson Center.