ABILENE, Texas – The University of Mary Hardin-Baylor women's basketball team closed regular season play with a 67-84 loss to No. 8 Hardin-Simmons University Saturday afternoon. The Cru fell to 18-7 on the season and 13-5 in league play while the Cowgirls improved to 23-2 overall and 18-0 in American Southwest Conference action.
 
UMHB was first on the board with an Arieona Rosborough basket. The Cru then continued on a 6-2 run to extend the lead to five. The Cowgirls added two quick baskets to bring the contest within three at the media timeout. UMHB claimed three final points to close the quarter ahead 21-16. The Cowgirls opened the second quarter with six unanswered points to take their first lead. Second quarter play saw four lead changes, but the Cowgirls were able to remain on the high ground and closed the half ahead 39-34.
 
Hardin-Simmons opened second half scoring with a layup by Parris Parmer, but the Cru cut the gap down to four with a Jaycie Brisco three-pointer on the next possession. The Cowgirls answered with a 10-2 run to expand their advantage to 12. UMHB used a five-point run at the 2:25 mark to bring the game within eight. The Cowgirls capitalized on foul shots to close the quarter up 69-52.
 
The fourth quarter did not see a made shot until a Cowgirl layup at the 8:00 mark. The Cru fought back scoring an even 15-15 with the Cowgirls, led by Lauren Baker with seven fourth quarter points. UMHB was unable to overcome the deficit, falling to Hardin-Simmons 84-67.
 
Baker led the Cru with 17 points and three assists. Ashley Faux added 12 points and led with seven rebounds. Rosborough and Addy Self were also big on the basket adding five boards each to UMHB's 39 total.
 
The Cru will advance to American Southwest Conference tournament play next week. Visit cruathletics.com for more information about the postseason.