DENTON, TEXAS – An 8:32 scoreless stretch in the first half by the Texas A&M-Kingsville women’s basketball proved to be too much to overcome at Lone Star Conference North Division rival Texas Woman’s University on Thursday night. The Pioneers won 66-49 at Kitty Magee Arena. (box score)

The Javelinas (2-9) trailed just 12-9 with 14:00 left in the first half after a jumper by Rochelle Ikeni (Fresno, CA/Roosevelt HS). Unfortunately, the Hoggies would not score again until Chelsea Solis (San Antonio/Wagner HS) made a layup with 5:28 left in the half. The Pioneers (8-6) went on an 11-0 run and the lead ballooned to 16 points before they settled on a 33-21 halftime lead.

In the second half, the Pioneers led by 19 points when the Javelinas made a run to get back into the game. The Hoggies closed to within nine points after a 10-0 run thanks to three-pointers by Brandy Garcia (Edinburg/Edinburg North HS) and Kelly Bastow (Bunbury, Australia/Bunbury Catholic). The Pioneers responded with seven straight points and the Javelinas never got closer than 12 points the rest of the game.
The Javelinas struggled offensively committing 26 turnovers which led to 24 points for Texas Woman’s. They shot 39.2 percent from the field, made 5-of-21 from three-point range and were 4-for-6 at the foul line. Victoria Gonzalez (Hidalgo/Hidalgo HS) led the team with 14 points as she was a perfect 7-for-7 from the field and grabbed six rebounds. Ikeni finished with 10 points and seven rebounds off the bench. Bastow added nine points as she drained a trio of three-pointers.

The Pioneers had four players score in double figures as they shot 38.1 percent from the field, made 6-of-17 three-point attempts and were 12-for-17 at the foul line. Jessica Hanna posted a double-double with 10 points, 10 rebounds and four steals. Brooke Shepherd led the team with 18 points, six rebounds and six steals. Jeanee’ Thompson had 14 points while Kayla Weaver put in 12 points.

The Javelinas are back in action on Saturday at Texas A&M-Commerce at 2 p.m.
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