Dec. 18, 2004

Final Stats

ABILENE, Texas - Just like most every time Hardin-Simmons and Mississippi College take to the floor it was a battle to the end, but HSU was the team that was able to close down the stretch and take a 79-67 American Southwest Conference win, Saturday afternoon at the Mabee Complex.

MC led by as many as 11 in the first half and held a 41-35 lead at the break, but the Cowgirls came out on a 7-0 run to take the lead at the 17:46 mark. The game was tied at 55 with 8:20 to go, but once again the Cowgirls hit a quick 7-0 run to take a 62-55 lead at the 6:55 mark. MC responded right back with a 7-0 run to tie it at 62 at the 5:27 mark.

HSU then outscored the Choctaws 17-5 down the stretch to close out the win. The Cowgirls played most of the game with their starting five on the floor. Diana Martinez and Lyssa Dennard each played 40 minutes.

Sophomore Melissa Henley had 20 points and nine rebounds and Martinez added 20 points, 12 rebounds and seven assists. Dennard added 17 points, four assists and six steals, while draining a career-best five 3-pointers. Senior point guard Melissa Forth added 13 points.

The Cowgirls are now 6-1 on the year and 5-1 in conference play. Mississippi College fell to 5-3 overall and 3-3 in ASC play. HSU will play Louisiana College on Monday at 1 p.m.