GUNNISON, Colorado (Nov. 12, 2022) – Winning in Colorado and the Texas Woman's basketball team go hand-in-hand, as the Pioneers start the season 2-0 after defeating Metropolitan State University at Denver, 57-49, on Saturday night.
 
TWU (2-0) rode a 25-8 run in the second half to victory over MSU Denver (0-2) in their final game of the Conference Challenge hosted by Western Colorado.
 
The Pioneers and the Roadrunners battled closely in the first half of action. Although TWU increased the defensive intensity by implementing their press, MSU Denver shot the ball well in the first half, shooting 50% from behind the arc.
 
Despite the strong shooting of the Roadrunners, the Pioneers shot 50% from the field in the first quarter to stay in the battle offensively. TWU also worked to throw MSU Denver out of rhythm in the first half, drawing three offensive fouls from the Roadrunners in the first quarter.
 
Nevertheless, TWU dropped off in their scoring efficiency slightly in the second quarter, which led to a two-point halftime deficit, 28-26.
 
In the third quarter, the Pioneers returned to the court with renewed intensity. They turned up the offensive efficiency and defensive pressure.
 
A layup by Sadie Moyer and a three pointer by Scout Huffman kicked off a 19-point quarter for the Pioneers- their highest number of points scored in a quarter this season. Then, for the second time this season, the Pioneers held their opponent to single digit scoring in a game, giving up just five points in the third quarter. 
 
Huffman kicked off the final quarter of action for the Pioneers with back-to-back baskets. Then, a layup by Moyer would give the Pioneers their largest lead of the game at 15 points.
 
Following Moyer's bucket, the Roadrunners went on a 7-2 run to cut the Pioneers' lead to seven; however, a jumper by Huffman and a made free throw by Ashley Ingram quickly increased the Pioneers' lead back to 10.
 
MSU Denver scored two last second free throws to cut the lead to eight, but the Pioneers survived, pushing them to their second win of the season, 57-49.
 
Every Pioneer who stepped on the court tonight recorded a basket. Huffman was the leading scorer for TWU with 13 points, Ingram added 12 points in the win and Moyer rounded out the TWU top scorers with nine.
 
Freshman Grace Lowery recorded her first career basket in the game, finishing with two points.
 
As a team, the Pioneers grabbed 32 rebounds. Ingram and Jada Celsur lead the way with five rebounds each, a career high for Celsur.

In a strong defensive night for the Pioneers, Brielle Woods finished with three steals- the most on the Pioneers roster tonight.
 
The Pioneers strength in the scoring category came from points in the paint and bench points. TWU outscored the Roadrunners in the paint 34-18 and won the bench points battle 22-15.
 
"After a back-and-forth first half, I am proud of how we came out after halftime and stepped up our style of play in the third quarter," TWU Head Coach Beth Jillson said. "Holding MSU Denver to just five points in the third quarter exemplified the high level of defense we can bring on a nightly basis. Our shot selection was key tonight, which led to higher scoring efficiency and contributed to a solid win on the road."
 
TWU returns home to Kitty Magee Arena on Wednesday, November 16. The Pioneers will face Harding University at 6 p.m. in their home opener.