HOUSTON – Behind a 21-point fourth quarter, the Houston Christian women's basketball team secured a 68-57 win over New Orleans on Saturday in Southland Conference action at Sharp Gym.

The Huskies (7-17, 5-12 SLC) worked through an early back-and-forth opening stretch before creating separation late in the first quarter. After trailing briefly, HCU closed the period on a 6-0 run, capped by a three-pointer from Madison Hurta in the final seconds, to take a 16-12 lead after one.

Houston Christian extended the advantage in the second quarter behind interior finishes from Jordan Jackson and Jo Oly. A three from Hurta pushed the margin to seven midway through the period, and the Huskies maintained control defensively, limiting New Orleans to 4-of-13 shooting in the frame. HCU carried a 31-26 lead into halftime.

New Orleans responded out of the break, trimming the deficit to three early in the third quarter and continuing to pressure the ball. Grace Booth answered with a mid-range jumper and Hurta connected from beyond the arc to keep the Huskies in front. Despite the Privateers narrowing the gap to four by the end of the period, Houston Christian held a 47-43 advantage heading into the final 10 minutes.

The fourth quarter proved decisive. Hurta scored on a fast-break jumper to open the frame, and a tip-in from Dasia Hyams extended the lead to double digits. Later, Jordan Jackson knocked down a transition three-pointer to push the margin to 10, and the Huskies capitalized at the free-throw line down the stretch to seal the 68-57 victory.

Hurta led HCU with 17 points on 6-of-11 shooting, including three three-pointers. Booth added 12 points and six rebounds, while Hyams provided nine points off the bench. Oly recorded eight points and a game-high 11 rebounds as the Huskies outrebounded New Orleans 39-35.

Houston Christian shot 43.6 percent from the field and totaled 21 fast-break points while converting 20 points off turnovers. Sidney Carr finished with eight points and five assists, and Jackson added eight points for the Huskies.
New Orleans (3-22, 3-14 SLC) was led by Brialle Washington with 14 points, while Jayla Kimbrough and Lauren Banks each added 10.

With six games remaining before the Southland Conference Tournament in Lake Charles, the Huskies now turn their attention to a three-game road swing beginning Thursday, Feb. 19, at East Texas A&M in Commerce, Texas.