SAN ANTONIO, Tx. – HCU women's basketball team battled with a late comeback, but UIW held to secure a 56–52 Southland Conference win Saturday afternoon at the McDermott Center.
UIW (6-6, 4-1 SLC) opened the game with an early advantage, but the Huskies answered with points from
Jordan Jackson and
Grace Booth to keep the score tight early. A three-pointer from
Sidney Carr midway through the first quarter brought HCU within one, and the Huskies closed the quarter trailing just 14–12.
The Huskies (4-8, 2-3 SLC) opened the second quarter with
Jo Oly scoring twice, while
Kamryn McLaurin added a pair of free throws following a drive to the basket. A three-pointer from
Tove Caesar late in the half cut the deficit to one possession, but UIW responded to take a 29–25 lead into the break.
The Cardinals gained separation in the third quarter, opening with a pair of baskets and a three-pointer to build momentum. McLaurin scored on a layup early in the period and later added a free throw, but UIW stretched its lead to 43–33 entering the fourth quarter.
HCU responded with its strongest stretch of the game in the final quarter.
Dasia Hyams scored on a fast-break layup to open the quarter, and McLaurin followed with consecutive baskets and a free throw to trim the margin. Jackson added a layup in transition and converted two free throws with under two minutes remaining, pulling the Huskies within one point.
With 50 seconds left, Hyams scored inside and converted the ensuing free throw to tie the game at 51–51. UIW answered with a three-pointer on the next possession, then closed the game at the free-throw line to maintain the lead in the final seconds.
McLaurin led the Huskies with 11 points, five rebounds, and five steals. Jackson finished with 10 points and six rebounds, while Caesar added seven points. Hyams and Oly each scored six off the bench, and Booth pulled down four rebounds. Houston Christian totaled 32 rebounds and scored 30 points in the paint.
Huskies continues Southland Conference play on Thursday traveling to Beaumont to face Lamar at 6:30 p.m.
