STEPHENVILLE, Texas (Nov. 10, 2018) – After struggling in the first half, Texas Woman's, led by senior Bri'anna Gray, fought to recover ground against Rogers State Saturday, but lost 81-62.

The Pioneers were the first on the board with a layup by Gray off a fast break at 18 seconds, but the Hillcats made a 10-point run and controlled the lead for the rest of the game. Senior Alexus Dukes' jumper from the inside at 4:50 put the Pioneers back on the board at 10-4, and that's all the points they could manage as RSU was up 21-4 after the first quarter.

TWU (0-2) improved its field goal efficiency in the second period, but continued to struggle on defense as RSU (1-1) built a 30-point lead going into the intermission, 49-19. 

"We dug ourselves a hole in the first half and did not execute the game plan," TWU head coach Beth Jillson said.  "We fought back hard in the second half to cut into the lead, but ran out of time down the stretch."

The Pioneers reentered the second half with new energy, closing the gap with nine straight points off a series of successful free throws and layups from Gray, Dukes and junior London Archer in the first two minutes. Junior Carissa Moody made a layup with 13 seconds remaining in the third quarter, but the Hillcats' still had control at 69-41.

Gray began the fourth quarter with a three-point jumper from the outside left at 49 seconds in, with Moody following her up 32 seconds later with a three-pointer of her own. The Pioneers had a 13-point run in the first four minutes of the quarter, getting to within 15 points at 69-54. After two scoreless minutes, the teams started trading free throw attempts. The Gray grabbed an offensive rebound and made the layup with 1:51 remaining to get TWU the closest it had been since the first quarter at 13 points, 73-60. Freshman Maggie Stephenson put in a layup with 16 seconds left to finish TWU's scoring and Rogers State closed out the game, 81-62.

"Bri (Gray) did a great job of making her presence known offensively in the second half with some big offensive rebounds, attacking the paint, and hitting some outside shots," Jillson said.

Gray got her first double-double of the season with a game-leading 25 points and 10 rebounds. Moody had her second consecutive double-digit game with 10 points and senior KJ Stastny recorded four assists. TWU finished at 36.1 percent (22-61) from the field and 22.2 percent (4-18) from 3-point range. RSU shot 46.3 percent (25-54) and 34.6 (9-26) from 3. 

"We are looking forward to starting fast and putting a full game together when we come back," Jillson said.

Texas Woman's will host the Hilton Garden Inn Pioneer Classic next weekend, facing West Alabama at 4 p.m. on Nov. 17 followed by Oklahoma Christian on Nov. 18.