ABILENE -- Lindsey Hausmann poured in 14 of her 18 points and the UT Tyler Patriots shot better than 46-percent in the second half to open American Southwest Conference play with a 75-68 win over Hardin-Simmons at the Mabee Complex Saturday afternoon.

Despite being out-rebounded 47-38 overall, the Patriots (3-0, 1-0 ASC) held their own in defense rebounds and took advantage of 16 Cowgirl turnovers. Melissa Thomas, who also scored 18 for UT Tyler and went 3-for-4 from beyond the arc, took three of those turnovers for steals.

Down by as many as 11 early in the first half, the Patriots narrowed the deficit to 33-30 going into the break.

Hardin-Simmons (1-2, 0-1 ASC) pushed its lead back to seven at 41-34 with 17:21 left in the game, but three turnovers in two minutes allowed UT Tyler back in and Thomas hit a three at 12:40 to put the Patriots up 47-45 - a lead they would not relinquish.

Hausmann made six-straight free throws in the last minute of the game to seal the win for UT Tyler.

The Patriots will remain in Abilene to play McMurry in Monday night before returning to the Herrington Patriot Center next Thursday.