FORT WORTH, TX: The Texas Wesleyan University basketball team (2-10) were held off by University of Mary Hardin-Baylor (11-2) in an 81-77 slugfest at the Sid Richardson Center.
 
The Cru held a 12-point advantage early in the fourth quarter before the Lady Rams posted a rambunctious rally to take 76-75 lead with 1:17 left in the contest. Alycia Louallen hit a pair triples to start the 22-9 run in which the Lady Rams simply overwhelmed the Cru. TXWES drenched the net with a good balance of shots that spread UMHB defense paper thin.
 
The Lady Rams fouled with 58 seconds left, and Alicia Blackwell tied the game on the first free throw, but couldn't get the second to go. Adrianna Davis collected the rebound, and the Lady Rams looked determined to see this out. Nicole Gleason slashed toward the net and put up a floater that went in, but was called for a charging foul on the play, keeping the game tied with 34 seconds left. UMHB hit a big three with 28 seconds remaining, and the game clock ran away from Texas Wesleyan in the 81-77 loss.
 
With the win, the Cru extend their winning streak to seven straight. Mary Hardin-Baylor shot 55 percent from the floor, well above their 38 percent season average. The Lady Rams shot slight above their season average in a 44 percent night from the floor.  
 
Karah Sicurella led the Lady Rams in scoring with 13 points. She added five rebounds and four assists. Gleason was 50 percent from the floor with 10 points, to go along with five rebounds, and four steals. Louallen finished with 11 points, contributing some big shot down the stretch.
 
The Lady Rams will travel to McPherson, KS as they resume conference play at Central Christian College on Thursday, January 4. That contest scheduled for a 6:00 p.m. start.