The game was not an offensive beauty for either team as HSU shot just 33 percent, but they limited the Yellowjackets to 24 percent shooting, including a 1-for-21 effort from 3-point range. HSU did not score the until a Lyssa Dennard bucket at the 11:03 mark in the first half.
HSU solved the HPU zone late in the first half and most of the second half as Rachael Singletary and Shelby Hodges each played the high post and HSU was able to run the offense through them. Singletary had a career-best 13 points, including 11 in the second half. The Cowgirls received only one point from its starting post players as Melissa Henley was shut down by the zone and Sonya West was once again limited to 11 minutes with back spasms.
In the final run Sarah Hauk hit a 3-pointer to make it 46-40 at the 3:21 mark. Hauk also iced the game with two free throws with 16 seconds to make it 51-48. Singletary had five points in the run and Lyssa Dennard has four. Lindsay Thompson blocked a desperation 3-pointer by the Jackets. Thompson had scored seven points in an earlier spurt in the second half to keep the Cowgirls in striking range.
Dennard had 18 points and Singletary had 13 for HSU. Meia Daniels led HPU with 20 points and 10 rebounds.
The win moved the Cowgirls alone in second place in the ASC and improved their record to 11-2 overall and 9-2 in ASC play. It was HSU’s fifth straight win. Howard Payne fell to 11-3 overall and 8-3 in ASC play.
HSU plays Mary Hardin-Baylor on Thursday at the renovated Mabee Complex.