MARSHALL, Texas – Hardin-Simmons' women's basketball team came up one point short in a 78-77 loss to East Texas Baptist in American Southwest Conference action at Ornelas Gym in Marshall on Saturday afternoon.

The game was close throughout as ETBU led 20-17 after the first quarter. The Cowgirls took a 29-28 lead with 2:03 to play in the first half, but the Tigers scored the final seven points of the half to lead 35-29 at halftime.

ETBU pushed the lead to nine before the Cowgirls chipped away and cut it to 42-40 with 3:23 to play in the third quarter and ETBU led 49-47 going into the fourth quarter.

Again the Tigers pushed the lead out to six points, but the Cowgirls rallied back and Kourtney Holyfield's jumper on the baseline gave HSU a 58-57 lead with 6:32 to play. ETBU answered with another 7-0 spurt. The Tigers led 71-63 with 2:08 to play and then Holyfield hit 3-pointers on three straight trips to cut the deficit to 75-74 with :18 to play.

April Leonard split a pair of free throws with :13 to play making it 77-74 and Kayla Brown was fouled for the Cowgirls. She split the free throws and then Leonard split another pair of free throws to give the Cowgirls the ball with :05 to play down 78-75 but Jasmine McClellan's shot to tie it came up short and Holyfield tipped it in but as time expired.

Holyfield had a career-best 32 points, including seven 3-pointers. Danie Mabry joined Holyfield in double figures with a career-best 16 points. Addison Garcia added 15 points for the Cowgirls.

Leonard had 24 points to pace the Tigers and Lauren Lee had 18 points. The Tigers had a 32-16 advantage in points in the paint.

The Cowgirls are now 2-5 on the year and 1-1 in ASC play. East Baptist improved to 6-2 overall and 1-0 in ASC action. HSU will return to action next Saturday when it hosts LeTourneau at 5:30 at the Mabee Complex.

--- www.hsuathletics.com ---