Dec. 11, 2005

ABILENE, Texas - The Tip Although it is only December, Monday's game between Hardin-Simmons and McMurry will go a long way toward deciding the American Southwest Conference West Division champion...In fact, the winner will have sole possession of the ASC West lead heading into a crucial weekend for both teams at Mississippi College and Louisiana...The game has a little extra spice to an already intense rivalry. Sonya West, a former All-ASC selection at McMurry, has transferred to HSU and has played well. Maigen Sawyer, a sophomore transferred from HSU to McMurry in the offseason and is averaging 13.2 points per game after playing only 52 minutes all of last season...As if there needs to be any added fire, another factor that will bring some extra intensity is the fact the Lady Indians beat the Cowgirls twice last season, including a season-ending defeat in the ASC Tournament at the Mabee Complex...The "road" team has won four of the last five meetings in the series, including all three games last season...One thing that had not happened of late in the series is a close game, until a double overtime 78-77 when at Kimbrell Arena by the Cowgirls last season. The teams went down to the final seconds in the conference tournament. Prior to the McMurry 77-60 win last season in the first game, HSU had won 11 in a row. Take out the three straight close wins in 2000 and HSU had won eight in a row and all were by more than 14 points...In the recent series history it is not often that the team's top scorer for the season is the top scorer in the game. It is usually a secondary scorer that has a big night in the series.

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The Series The Cowgirls hold a 38-14 all-time advantage in the series and had won 11 in a row until last season. HSU has won nine straight games at Kimbrell Arena, including a double-overtime thriller last season. McMurry won the last meeting 68-62 in the ASC Tournament, despite a 29-points, 14-rebound effort from Diana Martinez.

Last Time Out The Cowgirls rolled its last two opponents to tune up for a big week. The Cowgirls played everyone and only Sonya West hit double figures in the win over LeTourneau.

Next Up The Cowgirls close out the semester with games at Louisiana College and Mississippi College next weekend on the road. MC is off to a good start and has already beaten defending ASC champion Howard Payne. HSU will then take off until a Dec. 31 home game at the Mabee Complex.

Teamwork The thing that has made the Cowgirls so good this season is everyone is sharing the basketball. Seven players are already in double digits in assists on the year, including all five starters. Not only are the Cowgirls sharing the ball, they are also sharing the scoring and rebounding responsibility. Melissa Henley leads the team with 13.6 points per game. Sonya West (11.4), Shelby Hodges (11.2) and Lyssa Dennard (10.4) also average double digits.

Defense HSU's program has built its reputation on defense and the Cowgirls are back to their stingy defensive ways. Teams are averaging just 60.4 points per game and are shooting only 36.5 percent from the field. HSU has demolished its opponents on the boards averaging 11 more rebounds per outing.

Quick Hitters Lyssa Dennard, who hit 26 3-pointers a year ago, is still looking for her first trey of the year. She has not let it effect her defense as she has 19 steals to lead the team and she has shot 91 percent at the free throw line...HSU shoots 73 percent from the foul line and are shooting 25 charity tosses per game. HSU has almost made as many free throws (91) as its opponents have shot (97).