SEGUIN, TEXAS – Manchester University bolted out eight-point leads twice in the opening 15 minutes, but host Texas Lutheran University took advantage of a big second half to claim a non-conference win Thursday, Dec. 18.

Senior center Alyssa Hammond (Osgood, Ind.) continued an impressive campaign to date, just missing a double-double with totals of 11 points and eight rebounds. From there, the Spartans (3-4) received nine points from freshman forward Daija Wesson (South Bend, Ind.) and eight points and three assists from junior guard Justine Kruger (Francesville, Ind.).

MU led 20-12 and 25-17 over the Bulldogs (3-4) before TLU answered with the final eight points of the opening frame. The home team's run resumed during the final 20 minutes of regulation, as they opened an 11-point advantage (50-39) with just over nine and a half minutes to go and didn't look back en route to a 73-53 decision.

The Black and Gold held a 43-36 edge on the glass but couldn't overcome 23 turnovers and cold shooting woes, hitting only 36.8 percent overall and just 25 percent from outside the arc as well as going 13-of-24 at the charity stripe. TLU used a trio of double figure scoring efforts from, sophomore guard/forward Kristen Lye (18 points), junior guard Taylor Dydalewicz (16 points) and sophomore guard/forward Savannah Hight (12 points).

The Spartans' Texas trip continues, as they face off against fellow Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference member Trinity University Saturday, Dec. 20. Tipoff is 8 p.m. Eastern Standard Time inside Sams Gymnasium on TU's campus in San Antonio.

NOTES: Hammond collected scoring double figures for the sixth time in seven games … Wesson registered her best totals in a Black and Gold uniform, going four-of-seven from the field which included hitting a three-pointer to go with five rebounds in 15 minutes of action.