Nov. 25, 2006

Final Stats

MARSHALL, Texas - Hardin-Simmons' seventh-ranked basketball team returned to its winning ways, with a 79-74 win over East Texas Baptist, Saturday afternoon at Ornelas Gym in the American Southwest Conference opener for both teams.

After playing a back and forth throughout the first 29 minutes, HSU broke a 49-49 tie with a 7-0 run over 1:35 to take a 56-49 lead with 11:26 to play. Lyssa Dennard scored four of her 12 points in the run. ETBU rallied back to get it to one point on three different occasions, but never could regain the lead from the Cowgirls.

HSU led 71-70, when Rachel Cisneroz hit back-to-back buckets including a 3-pointer to give the Cowgirls a 76-72 lead with 1:11 to play. HSU led 77-74, when ETBU had a 3-pointer to tie but it was off the mark with six seconds to play.

Melissa Contrucci had 18 points and 11 rebounds, to lead five Cowgirls in double figures. Sarah Hauk had 12 points and seven assists and Lyssa Dennard had 12. Jeni Hobbs and Rachael Singletary added 11 and 10 points respectively off the bench.

Lori Lewis led East Texas Baptist with 17 points and 12 rebounds. Mary Slaughter added 16 points.

HSU improved to 2-1, 1-0 on the year and East Texas Baptist fell to 2-1 and 0-1 in league play. HSU will play at LeTourneau on Monday at 5:30 p.m.