CU Sports
Krista Pylant, Sports Information Assistant
LAWTON – Despite putting up a close battle with No. 25 West Texas A&M, the Aggie women could not complete a fourth quarter comeback as they fell 70-61 to the Buffs on Thursday night.
The first half between the Aggies and Buffs was tightly contested with seven ties and four lead changes with neither side leading by more than two possessions. CU trailed 33-32 at the half after WT’s LexyHightower hit a three right as the shot clock expired on the last play of the period.
Hightower was a big factor in the first half with 13 points for the Buffs battling Jamie Bonnarens who scored 11 points for the Ags. Both sides shot 54 percent from the field with
CU making four treys to WT’s one. The Buffs made up for it by cashing in nine CU turnovers for 11 points.
The Buffs opened the third quarter hot, taking a 10-3 run combined by CeCe Wooten and Tiana Parker over four minutes to lead 43-35. WT outscored the Aggies 21-10 that period extending their lead to double digits after CU shot just 18 percent from the field to the Buffs’ 57 percent.
Cameron trailed by as much as 17 points in the final period, which they chipped down to just four points, 64-60, at the two minute marker. Their fourth quarter comeback attempt was fueled by three straight shots from the perimeter, one by Ava Battese and two from Parfitt McNair.
Fouls cost the Aggies as Battese and McNair both reached their fifth, and the Buffs built their lead back to ten points from the line. CU was prevented from scoring again except a lone free throw with four seconds remaining as the Aggies fell 70-61.
Cameron finished the game shooting 40 percent from the field with eight three-pointers and went 7 for 14 at the line. WT shot 51 percent on the floor with two treys and a 16 for 27 effort at the stripe.
Boards were even at 33 each. The Buffs recorded 12 blocks led by Parker who recorded six of her own paired with eight rebounds and 16 points. Hightower led the Buffs in scoring with 19 points.
Bonnarens led CU with 20 points, and Battese chipped in 12. Lejha Smith nearly notched a double-double on nine points and 13 boards. McNair had a team best six assists.
Cameron drops to 9-14 overall and 7-8 in the Lone Star Conference. The Buffs are 19-4 and 11-4 in the league.