DENTON, Texas (Nov. 26, 2022) – One thing we're thankful for this holiday season is Texas Woman's basketball wins at home. In their highest-scoring game of the season, the Pioneers secured the win against Henderson State, 75-66, on Saturday afternoon in Kitty Magee Arena.

TWU (5-1) overcame a three-point halftime deficit to record their first home win of the season against HSU (3-3).

The Pioneers started off the game with four offensive rebounds before Ngozi Obineke finally got the layup to go in to kick off the scoring, 2-0, for TWU.

Much of the first quarter featured back-and-forth scoring between the Reddies and the Pioneers until Henderson State went on a 10-1 run with three minutes left in the first.

TWU could not break their scoring drought in the first quarter, giving up 24 points and only scoring 12 in the opening 10 minutes of play.

Nevertheless, the Pioneers quickly shook off their slow start and opened the second quarter on a 10-0 run to cut the Reddies' lead to two points. Henderson State quickly pushed their lead back to eight points, but Jordan Jackson quieted the visiting fans with a three pointer, her first career basket as a Pioneer.

Strong defense and a lockdown full-court press allowed the Pioneers to hold Henderson State scoreless for three minutes in the second quarter.

Two free throws and a layup by Ashley Ingram ended the first half, which put the Pioneers within three heading into the halftime break.

In the second quarter, TWU held the Reddies to just eight points, marking the fourth time this season the Pioneers have held their opponent to single-digit scoring in a quarter.

The halftime break proved to be a crucial catalyst for the Pioneers. In the second half alone, TWU outscored Henderson State 46-34. In the fourth quarter, the Pioneers matched their highest point total in a quarter with 24.

Although TWU won the overall scoring battle, they fought for much of the third quarter to claim the lead. The score was tied twice in the third before Jada Celsur confidently crushed a three pointer to give TWU a two-point lead, 42-40, with four minutes on the clock.

Jump shots by Scout Huffman and Brielle Woods aided in increasing the Pioneers' lead to six. While the Reddies pushed and cut the lead to two with two minutes on the clock, a quick response by Woods with a made three and a lay-up by Jackson put TWU back up by seven to close the third quarter.

The scoring was high for both teams in the fourth quarter. While the Reddies tried to track down the high-quality offensive production of the Pioneers, they never got closer than three points to TWU's lead.

Smart decision-making proved to be a strength for the Pioneers in the final quarter of play, as they found baskets when needed from multiple players. They also stayed calm and collected at the free throw line going 10-13 in the fourth quarter to help secure the win.

Celsur stepped up in a big way for TWU this afternoon, finishing the game with 10 points and 10 rebounds to record her first career double-double in the win and career highs in both categories.

Obineke also made a difference at the post position for the Pioneers. She grabbed three offensive boards in her six total rebounds and accounted for a season-high 17 points in the win.

Ingram recorded her first 20-point performance of 2022, scoring 21 points and grabbing eight rebounds. She also went 9-10 from the free throw line.

In the win, three Pioneers went 100% from the free throw: Woods (4-4), Sadie Moyer (2-2) and Huffman (2-2).

TWU shot more efficiently from the field in the win, going 23-56 from the field to Henderson State's 25-72.

"This afternoon represented a great example of the strength of our entire roster to respond in big moments," TWU Head Coach Beth Jillson said. "Jada was absolutely incredible down the stretch, making plays on both sides of the ball. Ngozi, Ashley and Scout helped us be a strong force in the paint on offense throughout the game. I am very impressed with how we responded to being down in the second quarter and how we came out in the second half. Everyone made a difference today, and it was nice to get the win in front of our fans.

TWU will be back in action in Kitty Magee Arena on Wednesday, Nov. 30 at 6 p.m., as the Pioneers kick of Lone Star Conference action against Midwestern State.