Jan. 25, 2007

Final Stats

ABILENE, Texas - Hardin-Simmons' women's basketball team saw its late rally fall just short in a 59-54 loss to Howard Payne in American Southwest Conference action, Thursday night at the Mabee Complex.

The Cowgirls came out early and took a 17-9 lead in the first half, but Howard Payne closed the half on a 15-5 run to take a 26-22 halftime lead. HPU had another run in the second half, this one a 14-6 spurt that made it 51-39 with 6:15 to play.

HSU came right back as Kristen Harris hit a free throw and Laci Walker split a par of free throws to make it 53-44, Rachel Cisneroz then hit a 3-pointer, followed by a 2-pointer by Melissa Contrucci and another Cisneroz three ball to make it 53-52 with 2:11 to play.

Kim Hoffman hit a pair of free throws to make it 55-52 and HSU responded with a Contrucci layup. HSU had three turnovers in the final minute and could not get any closer.

Contrucci was the only Cowgirl in double figures with 13 points and four others had eight or more points. Stacey Blalock had 17 points and Meia Daniels added 13 for the Lady Jackets.

HSU fell to 14-3 with the loss and 12-2 in ASC West action. HPU remained undefeated with an 18-0 mark overall and 14-0 in ASC play. HSU will play Sul Ross State on Saturday at 1 p.m.