ABILENE – The ACU Wildcats could not overcome a cold shooting performance Thursday night as they fell to Texas Woman's 80-67 in Lone Star Conference Crossover action. The Wildcats remain winless on the season at 0-5 while TWU improves to 6-1 with the win.
ACU was able to convert 2 of 8 from the field in the first four minutes as the Pioneers opened a six point lead. TWU would extend their lead in the first half to as many as 15 before the Wildcats would finish the final three minutes on an 8-0 run to trail 40-33 at the break.
The Wildcats shot only 36% from the field on the night opposed to the Pioneers who shot 50% and a blistery 59.1% in the second half. ACU also only converted one three pointer on the night while TWU hit 11 from beyond the arc.
Renata Marquez would hit a baseline jumper to complete an 11-3 run by the Wildcats and pull with two at 53-51. Marquez led all scorers on the night with 24 completing the first double-double for the freshman as she added 10 rebounds for a season high in both categories.
But a short 5-0 run by TWU's Jessica Hanna would extend the Pioneer lead back to seven after nailing a trey in the right corner.
Foul trouble for TWU would allow the Wildcats to hang in the game in the second half, trailing most of the half by 10. Marquez did an excellent job of attacking the basket and getting to the free throw line going a perfect 7 for 7 at the stripe.
Kelsey Smith and Mack Lankford were also in double figures adding 11 and 10 points respectively.
Jessica Hannah poured in 22 to lead TWU.
ACU returns to the court Saturday afternoon for a Lone Star Conference men's and women's double-header with Texas A&M-Commerce. Tipoff at Moody Coliseum is set for 2 p.m. for the women followed by the men at 4 p.m.
