The women’s basketball team held off a late run by St. Edward’s Tuesday night, lighting up the fans in Moody Coliseum and adding a win to its 3-2 record.

ACU maintained control of the game the entire first half, consistently being up by a range of 10-12 points. Making nearly half of the shots taken, the ‘Cats left the court at the half with 42-30 on the scoreboard.

The Wildcats returned just as strong, leading St. Edwards by as much as 16 points. But halfway through the second half, the Hilltoppers found their stride, hoping to minimize the deficit. A series of 3-pointers by Kelsey Barr and a pair of free throws from Kendra Field brought them right back into the game lacking 5 points with just over 9:00 to go.

Just as the Wildcats began to lose the lead in the second half, Tamenia Jourdan found Shelby Shipley wide open. Shipley answered with a 3-point shot that immediately changed to momentum of the game. The junior guard began an electric run that ultimately led to ACU’s 78-66 win.

Mack Lankford quickly joined Shipley and began adding unanswered baskets to the score. After Lankford scored a pair of buckets, freshman Paige Parliament followed with five quick points in less than a minute.

“Paige has done a very good job of fitting in and becoming a part of what we’re doing,” said Head Coach Shawna Lavender. “She’ll continue to be a big player for us all year.”

After a layup and two additional free throws from Lankford, Emily Miller’s two shots from behind the free-throw line gave the ‘Cats a 19 point lead, the highest of the game.

Lankford left the court with 24 points, followed by 15 from Paige Parliament, and 10 from Marquez.

“We’re ready to continue going out there and getting big wins,” said junior forward Kelsey Smith. “We need to maintain this consistency.”

The women’s basketball team returns on Saturday Dec. 10, to take on Cameron University.