Cowgirls Win Two Overtime Thriller :: HSU Takes Over First Place

Jan. 31, 2005

ABILENE, Texas - Hardin-Simmons' women's basketball team came back from a 14-point second half deficit to tie the game and eventually won its' crosstown showdown game with McMurry. 78-77. in double overtime to regain sole possession of first place of the American Southwest Conference West Division, Monday night at Kimbrell Arena.

Melissa Henley gave the Cowgirls the winning margin with two free throws with 14.8 seconds remaining in the second overtime. The Cowgirls smothered the Indians on defense and did not allow a shot in the final 14 seconds.

The Cowgirls trailed 48-34 with 14:08 to go in the game, but Lyssa Dennard and Lindsay Thompson hit back-to-back 3-pointers to cut it to 48-40. Tarra Richardson then scored to make it 50-40, before the Cowgirls scored seven straight to make it 50-47. Neither team led by more than five the rest of the way.

Henley gave the Cowgirls a 63-60 lead with 1:51 to go in the game, before Symbri Tuttle came right back with a 3-point play to tie the game at 63-63 at 1:22 and it would remain that way through regulation. Melissa Henley's jumper with 17 seconds to go in the first overtime tied the score at 73, McMurry's desperation attempt by Tracie Robbins was off the mark.

Sophomore Lyssa Dennard led the Cowgirls with 20 points, including 14 after halftime. Senior Diana Martinez scored 14 points, hauled down 11 rebounds and had seven assists. Henley finished the contest with 16 points and freshman Shelby Hodges continued her recent strong play with 11 points and 10 rebounds, including six on the offensive end.

Richardson dominated the paint for McMurry with 20 points, 12 rebounds and eight blocks. Tracie Robbins had 19 points but missed a pair of free throws at the end of regulation. Symbri Tuttle had 12 assists, but she to missed a chance to ice the game at the free throw line.

The Cowgirls moved to 16-2 overall and 14-2 in ASC play. McMurry fell to 14-5 overall and 13-3 in league play. HSU plays at Texas Lutheran on Thursday. McMurry will play at Schreiner.

--- HSU Athletics ---