UMHB matched Louisiana College scoring spurt-for-scoring spurt, then put the Lady Wildcats away for good down the stretch en route to a 70-61 victory at Mayborn Campus Center.

The Lady Crusaders (1-1, 1-0 American Southwest Conference), who have only one senior on their roster, let an early seven-point lead evaporate and trailed for a 10-minute stretch in the second half.

They never went away, however, and constructed a 21-5 run that buried the Lady Wildcats (3-2, 0-1).

“We kept our composure down the stretch and the girls handled things well,” UMHB coach Kim Kirkpatrick said. “We kept battling tonight, and that was the biggest thing.”

Junior point guard Mallory McAdams, a seldom-used reserve last season, looked right at home in the starting role. She finished with a team-high 18 points, including eight during the deciding run.

“Last year, I was able to learn a lot,” McAdams said. “I know not everybody gets to play college basketball, so I want to take advantage of every opportunity.”

Blair Heitmiller - the team’s lone senior - had a driving bucket to put the Lady Crusaders up 31-30 two minutes into the second half, but UMHB didn’t lead again until Heitmiller’s steal and two free throws with 9:11 remaining.

“There are some moments when our youth really shows,” Kirkpatrick said. “But this team is learning to play together and we’re going to continue to improve."

Heitmiller scored 11 points and Stacie Stephens and Janel Daniels added eight apiece.

Taylor Henderson scored 22 points and Clarissa Brown had 13 for the Lady Wildcats.

edrennan@temple-telegram.com