Clarksville, Ark.-Hardin-Simmons University opened up a 44-29 halftime lead on a late push and went onto a 83-66 victory over the Lady Eagles Saturday night in Abilene, Texas.
Ozarks (3-6, 1-3) played well in the opening 10 minutes of the American Southwest Conference game, but the Cowgirls (7-2, 3-2) built a double digit advantage late in the half. Lacey Phillips kept the Lady Eagles close early as she scored 10 points within the first five minutes and Ozarks had a 10-8 lead after her layup. Ozarks continued to hold a slight advantage, 17-15, when Ally Goddard buried a three-pointer with 12:17 remaining. Hardin-Simmons slowly managed a 31-21 advantage with five minutes left and the two went back-and-forth for the next few minutes before the Cowgirls scored seven points in the final minute of the half to maintain a sizable halftime lead.
The Cowgirls extended their lead to 59-35 advantage at the 14:10 mark of the second half and cruised the rest of the way. Ozarks had trouble making a comeback as they were outrebounded 2 to 1. Hardin-Simmons had 51 boards compared to Ozarks 24.
Phillips led the team with 15 points. She finished 2-for-4 from the three-point line. April Young came off the bench and scored 14 points. Kayla Quertermous added 13 points behind a 3-of-5 performance from the three-point line.
Ozarks will play McMurry University Monday night in Abilene.
Topics: Athletics