Big Fourth Quarter Lifts 'Roos Past Hardin-Simmons

SHERMAN, Texas – The Austin College women's basketball team trailed by double digits late in the third quarter, but a 20-2 run put the 'Roos in control as they earned a 77-70 win over Hardin-Simmons on Saturday afternoon. The 'Roos are now 9-3 overall, matching the program's best start since 2009-10.

Ann Savage scored 20 points and dished out eight assists and Bryce Frank added 19 points and 11 boards for Austin College, which shot 57.1% from three-point range in the game. The 'Roos jumped out to an early 13-9 lead after a pair of Kendra Rainey baskets but the Cowgirls charged back with an 8-3 run to close the quarter and head into the second leading 17-16.

The Hardin-Simmons lead grew to six at 26-20 midway through the second quarter, but three pointers from Savage and Caitlyn Collins pulled Austin College to within three, and the Cowgirls would hold a 33-29 edge heading into the locker room.

Savage knocked down three straight triples early in the third quarter to keep the 'Roos close at 42-40 with 6:50 on the clock, but Kourtney Holyfield and Kayla Brown combined for 12 of the next 14 points for the Cowgirls as HSU took a 56-46 lead with 1:47 left in the frame. A basket by Collins with 10 seconds left cut it to 56-48 heading into the fourth, and kicked off a huge run for the 'Roos.

Olivia Bailey got things started for Austin College in the fourth, knocking down a three and then, after blocking a shot and coming away with the rebound at the defensive end, driving the floor and finding Frank for a basket. Frank scored again to cut it to a 56-55 deficit, and a pair of free throws from Bailey put Austin College ahead by one with 8:11 left to play. Frank scored four more quick points, Kendall Heitmeier knocked down a jumper, and Collins nailed a trey to complete the 20-2 run and give Austin College a 66-58 advantage with 5:51 left in the game.

Hardin-Simmons would get to within five at 75-70 on a three from Holyfield, but two free throws from Collins in the game's final moments iced the victory for Austin College.

Savage hit 6-of-8 from the field and 4-of-5 from long distance to get her 20 points, and Frank added four assists and two blocks to go with her double-double. Collins came off the bench to score 14, and Bailey finished with 11 points, four rebounds, and three assists. Austin College hit 8-of-14 from long range as a team in the game.

Holyfield led all scorers with 26 points, hitting 8-of-15 three pointers in the game, and Brown recorded a double-double with 14 points and 11 rebounds. Ja'lee Carver added 10 points, six steals, five assists, and five rebounds for Hardin-Simmons.

Austin College athletic teams participate as a member of the NCAA Division III and the Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference.