BELTON, TX - Despite 14 points on 7-of-8 shooting from Alexus Brigham off the bench, Texas Wesleyan Women's Basketball (5-2) fell to Mary Hardin-Baylor (6-1) in non-conference action 76-67 - only the second time this season the Lady Rams have given up more than 70 points on the year.

It was the first loss for TXWES in over a month and both losses have come by single digits. Brigham had eight points in the fourth quarter as TXWES attempted a comeback. Her jumper with 5:24 cut the deficit to 58-51 and her bucket with 1:18 to play cut the disadvantage to six, 69-63.

Texas Wesleyan simply ran out of time. Both teams had missed opportunities at the line (the Rams missed seven, UMHB missed 10) but the Cru hit 6-of-6 free throws in the last minute to prevent the Rams from having a chance to sneak out a triumph. Both teams scored a bunch of points off turnovers (22 for TXWES, 21 for the Cru) but the Lady Rams dominated in steals - 12-3 - including four by Nicole Gleason, who also contributed 13 points, six rebounds and two assists.

In defeat, the offense had its moments of terrific ball movement, with 16 assists on 26 made shots. Destiney Winkfield had six of those assists but was just 2-of-9 shooting herself. The 16 assists were a season high and the most assists in a loss since an early 2018 season slip up to Hope International, 68-63

Jordan Brightwell and Makayla Coy each had seven boards - five of Brightwell's seven came on the offensive glass, a season high. Texas Wesleyan outscored UMHB 18-14 in the third frame and had 24 of the game's 50 points in the fourth quarter.

Chrystal Ngawuchu chipped in nine points in 13 minutes, while Coy and Evie Whorley added seven. The two teams have met three times in the last three seasons, with the three games decided by a combined 18 points (the Cru is 3-0 in those matchups).

The Lady Rams will travel to Florida December 17 and 18 to face Florida Memorial and Johnson & Wales, hoping to return to winning ways.