ABILENE, Texas — Hardin-Simmons' women's basketball team maintained its one-game lead over McMurry and Howard Payne in the American Southwest Conference West Division with a 63-60 win over Concordia on Saturday at the Mabee Complex.

The Cowgirls overcome a sluggish first half in which they shot just 24 percent and trailed 27-21 at the break with a strong second half.

Alexis Popelar sparked the Cowgirls rally with 12 points in the first four minutes of the second half. She had an old-fashion three-point play with 18:12 to play and then she three 3-pointers on three straight trips, all from the right corner to give HSU a 35-32 lead with 16:01 to play. Popelar had 19 points and hit five 3-pointers in the second half alone.  

There were 11 ties and 11 lead changes in the second half and the game was tied at 60-60 with :40 to play. Jasmine Lewis was fouled and she hit both free throws to make it 62-60 with :40 to play and then Brianna Smith missed a 30pointer and Shamika Singleton missed a layup with :13 to play.

Concordia again fouled Lewis and she split a pair of free throws with :13 to play. The Cowgirl defense did not allow Concordia to get off a potential game-tying 3-pointer at the end of the game.  

Popelar led the Cowgirls with 24 points and Lewis added 20. Lindsey Newcombe had 12 points and 21 rebounds in her final regular-season home game.

Smith led Concordia with 11 points and Dominique Mayberry and Tiesha Martin added 10 points each.

The Cowgirls are now 17-5 overall and 14-5 in league play. Concordia fell to 12-10 overall and to 11-8 in ASC action. HSU will close the regular season with games at Sul Ross State and Howard Payne. If the Cowgirls win both games they will win the ASC West and host the ASC Tournament.