CANYON, Texas – Ma'K'La Woods scored a game-high 18 points, while Brielle Woods chipped in 15, but the Texas Woman's University basketball team (7-15, 5-13 Lone Star Conference) was unable to overcome the stingy defense of the No. 20 West Texas A&M Lady Buffs 22-5, 15-3), falling 70-49 on Saturday.

"I thought we started off the game strong and did a good job of attacking their zone by getting paint touches, and Ma'K'La and Mady both did a good job of finishing or getting to the line once we got the ball inside," said head coach Beth Jillson. "Bri did a good job of pushing the tempo and putting pressure on their defense. Defensively, we struggled to finish possessions at times by bailing them out with a foul." 

The Lady Buffs and Pioneers traded leads over the opening minutes of the game, with a Ma'K'La Woods jumper at the 5:31 mark giving TWU a 13-8 lead. However, WTAMU battled back and edged ahead on a layup with just under two minutes to play in the opening quarter, carrying a three-point (20-17) lead into the second.

The Lady Buffs gradually built their lead in the second quarter, pulling ahead by double figures in the closing minutes and taking an 11-point (35-24) lead into the half. WT used a strong third quarter to create additional separation as the Lady Buffs pulled away with the victory.

The two Woods and Ngozi Obineke led the Pioneers with five boards each. Sadie Moyer dished out a team-high four assists. TWU held a 12-8 advantage in points off turnovers and a 4-0 advantage in fast-break points.

The Pioneers return to action on Thursday, Feb. 20, hosting St. Edward's in a 7 p.m. matchup inside Kitty Magee Arena.