Nov. 22, 2002

Final Stats

ABILENE, Texas - Hardin-Simmons' women's basketball team opened the Shanna Briggs era with a convincing 79-56 win over Southwestern University, Friday night at the Mabee Complex.

The Cowgirls used a career-high 22 points by senior KraTaura Buckner in her first career start and All-American Kendra Anderson added 14 points and eight rebounds as the Cowgirls jumped to a 40-17 halftime lead and never looked back.

"It is good to get a win under our belts," said Briggs. "Obviously, we did not play our top game but we did a lot of positive things that we can build on. We have another tough game on Saturday with Trinity."

Cowgirl point guard Diana Martinez filled up the stat sheet with six points, nine assists, five rebounds and five steals in her first career start. Lauren Harris chipped in 12 points and eight rebounds.

The Cowgirls overcame a tough shooting night where they hit just 30-of-69 shots, by forcing 28 turnovers and winning the battle of the boards despite a decided height advantage.

Leigh Ann Neal had a solid Cowgirl debut as well chipping in eight points, including two 3-pointers. Misty Reichenau scored 12 points to lead the Pirates.

Trinity won the first game of the Cowgirl Classic with a 69-67 defeat of Mary Hardin-Baylor. HSU and Trinity will play on Saturday at 6:30 p.m., while Mary Hardin-Baylor and Southwestern will play at 4:30 p.m.

--- HSU ATHLETICS ---