Box Score Box Score
ARKADELPHIA, Ark. – Junior guard
Krystal Beachum scored a career-high 33 points on 13-of-16 shooting to lead the Henderson State women's basketball team to a 75-72 win over Texas A&M-Commerce in non-conference action on Tuesday night in the Duke Wells Center.
Beachum's career night got off to a tremendous start as the Mexia, Texas native shot a perfect 6-of-6 from the floor and carried 16 points into the locker room. Beachum would add two more field goals in the second half before she missed her first shot of the game.
Feeding off of the hot shooting hand of Beachum, the Lady Reddies (6-2), as a team, seemingly couldn't miss as they shot 67% in the first half on 16-of-24 shooting from the floor. HSU also added 12 points on made free throws in the half and led by 13 points at the break, 46-33.
Despite the hot shooting, the Lady Reddies were unable to separate themselves until late in the first half as the Lady Lions (3-5) hung in the game with an efficient 50% (13-of-26) shooting effort of their own. A&M-Commerce never led in the game, but were able to tie the game once at 30-all with 4:04 remaining in the first half. Immediately after that, the Lady Reddies ripped off of a 16-3 run to close out the half.
The Lady Reddies would maintain a double-digit lead for much of the second half, but their shooting began to cool off in the final half and their lead eventually shrank to as small as a single point, 71-70, at the 3:05 mark in the second half.
Both teams would then go into a scoring drought as each missed a handful of field goals and free throws. The Lady Reddies were the first to break their drought as
Shareka Maner made a free throw with 46 seconds remaining in the game. HSU would add three more free throws over the final seconds to ensure the victory.
Beachum led all scorers with her 33 points. Beachum has now scored double figures in seven of the eight games she has played in.
Destiny Smith led the Lady Reddies in rebounds with 10.
The Lady Reddies will now enjoy some time off as they will enter into their Christmas break. The next time the Lady Reddies will be in action will be on December 31st as they will play host to McMurry University. Tip-off is scheduled for 2:00 pm in the Duke Wells Center.
