DENTON, Texas (Nov. 5) – Sophomore guard Kenesha Saygo scored a game-high 19 points and senior Ashley Salazar added 11 to lead the TWU Pioneers to an 83-50 win over Hardin-Simmons in an exhibition game on Wednesday night at Kitty Magee Arena. 
 
After a slow start, TWU took control of the game midway through the first half and grabbed a 33-23 halftime lead.  The Pioneers shot 36.4 percent from the floor and a perfect 6-for-6 from the free-throw line in the first 20 minutes of play.
 
In the second half, the Pioneers hit over 54.0 percent of their shots and outscored Hardin-Simmons, 50-27.  TWU also got to the free-throw line 18 times and made 14 of them.
 
Four other players scored seven or more points for the Pioneers.  Senior Ria Pateraki had eight points, a game-high seven rebounds, and three blocks.  Sophomores Andrea Mapua and Emily Spector and freshman Morgan Easley all added seven points each.
 
"We struggled early in the first half but finished strong with a great second half," said TWU head coach Beth Jillson.  "It was a good team win with balanced scoring and balanced rebounding."
 
The Pioneers will open their regular season next Friday, Nov. 14, at the MSU Archbrook Classic in Wichita Falls, TX.  TWU will face #7 Emporia State in the tournament opener at 5:00 p.m. in D.L. Ligon Coliseum.