Box Score ABILENE, Texas — Hardin-Simmons' women's basketball team shot 29.5 percent and committed 28 turnovers en route to a 63-53 loss to Concordia in American Southwest Conference action at the Mabee Complex in Abilene on Saturday afternoon.
The Cowgirls came out with an inspired effort in the early going and 11-2 run midway through the first half to go from up 13-9 at the 12:01 mark to 24-11 at the 6:54 mark. Becca Chagnon had five points in the run and Jasmine Lewis had four.
HSU pushed the lead out to 29-13 on a Lewis free throw with 5:16, but that is when the Tornados locked in defensively. HSU did not make another field goal the rest of the half and HSU led 31-25 at the break.
The drought continued until Coco Cartwright hit a lay-up at the 17:43 mark that gave HSU a 35-29 lead. It was the only field goal the Cowgirls would score until Angela Newcombe's layup at the 12:48 mark to give HSU a 37-36 lead. In that 12:28 stretch with only one basket, the Cowgirls went 1-for-13 with 13 turnovers and Concordia went on a 23-8 run over that time.
Despite the long tough stretch the Cowgirls continued to be in the game and it was tied at 46 with 5:28 to play, but Concordia went on an 8-0 run and then held the Cowgirls off in the final minute at the foul line.
HSU shot just 6-for-25 in the second half and 13-of-44 in the game.
Alexis Popelar led the Cowgirls with 19 points. Shamika Singleton led a balanced effort for Concordia with 14 points.
HSU is now 7-9 on the year and 5-7 in ASC action. Concordia improved to 13-3 overall and 11-2 in ASC play. The Cowgirls continue their home stand by hosting Texas Lutheran on Thursday.
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