LAWTON, Okla. (Dec. 10, 2011) ― Cameron’s women’s basketball team picked up a valuable conference victory, defeating Abilene Christian 59-55 Saturday night in Abilene.

The Aggies (5-2, 3-1) came out firing in the first half. Less than three minutes in, the Black and Gold was looking at a 10-0 lead after consecutive three-pointers from senior Julie Paunovic. Junior Alexis Williams finished the half with consecutive buckets, to push the lead to 15 at the buzzer, while the team pulled together defensively to hold the Wildcats to 16 first half points.

“In the first half, we defended really well,” said Head Coach Tom Webb. “We gave up nothing easy. In the second half gave up better looks. It got a little hairy at the end. I’m really pleased with our young ladies.”

Cameron found itself in some foul trouble in the second half, as junior Ali Brown, senior Sabelle Diata and Paunovic each played with four fouls for the majority of the second half. But the team remained resilient and battled through the adversity to complete the victory. Diata and fellow senior Nicole Pendarvis were able to hit clutch free throws down the stretch, while a lay-up by sophomore Lacy Reinke provided the icing on the cake with eight seconds left on the clock.

“We just weren’t giving them any easy looks,” Webb said. “It helped us build a lead.”

“In a lot of ways she (Reinke) hit the game winner. Sabelle (Diata) missed her first free throw, then Lacy got a big off rebound. She puts it up with 8 seconds to go. Actually, the bench as a whole did a great job. I’m so pleased and proud of those kids. “

Despite fouling out in the final four minutes, Paunovic led Cameron offensively with a stellar all-around effort. The senior from Australia finished the game with 20 points on 8-11 from the floor with a perfect 4-4 from behind the arc. Diata, as usual, was also a factor posting her second consecutive double-double with 13 points and 11 boards.

Cameron will now prepare for a non-conference battle against Rhema Bible College at 6 p.m. Tuesday in Aggie Gym.