Box Score NATCHITOCHES, La. — The HCU women's basketball team led at halftime, but Northwestern State used a strong second half to pull away late for a 70-64 Southland Conference win Saturday afternoon at Prather Coliseum. 

HCU (8-18, 6-13 SLC) opened the game with an efficient offensive stretch, shooting 50 percent in the first quarter. Grace Booth scored early inside, and a three-pointer from Madison Hurta helped the Huskies build separation. Houston Christian controlled the paint and closed the opening period with a 21-15 advantage.

The Huskies maintained momentum in the second quarter, again shooting 50 percent from the floor. HCU continued to score inside, finishing the game with 40 points in the paint. Jo Oly converted late in the period, and Houston Christian carried a 38-30 lead into halftime 

Northwestern State (14-13, 11-8 SLC) responded out of the break, outscoring HCU 23-11 in the third quarter. The Lady Demons capitalized at the free-throw line, shooting 9-of-10 in the period. After the Huskies extended their lead to double digits early in the quarter, Northwestern State used a series of inside baskets and free throws to erase the deficit and take a 53-49 lead into the fourth 

The final period featured multiple lead changes. Dasia Hyams and Booth scored in the paint to briefly give HCU a 60-59 advantage midway through the quarter. Northwestern State answered with a three-pointer and continued to convert at the free-throw line, finishing 22-of-26 at the stripe for the game. The Lady Demons sealed the 70-64 final with late free throws in the closing seconds.

Booth led the Huskies with 22 points and 10 rebounds for a double-double. Kamryn McLaurin added nine points off the bench, while Hyams finished with eight. Houston Christian shot 47.2 percent (25-of-53) but was outrebounded 42-28