Feb. 1, 2003

ABILENE, Texas - Hardin-Simmons' men's basketball gave a great effort but came up on the short end of a 78-69 American Southwest Conference game against Texas Lutheran, Saturday afternoon at the Mabee Complex.

The Cowboys trailed 54-53, when Mario Saunders hit back-to-back 3-pointers to give the Bulldogs an eight-point lead at the 6:04 mark of the second half. Weston Ryon hit back-to-back treys to cut the Cowboy deficit to three at 62-59.

The Bulldogs hit there free throws down the stretch to pull out the victory.

Bryan Conover led four players in double figure with 15. Jordan Clower added 14, Jason Eaker had 12 and Weston Ryon chipped in 11. Texas Lutheran had five players in double figures led by Will Hudson's 20.

The Cowboys fell to 4-14 and 1-6 in ASC West play. Texas Lutheran improved to 10-9 overall and 5-3 in ASC West action.

HSU returns to action Tuesday at McMurry at 7:30.