Cowgirls Win ASC Championship as Cowboys Finish Runner-Up By: Aniekeme Andy

The men’s and women’s basketball teams at Hardin-Simmons University (HSU) wrapped up their seasons while hosting the American Southwest Conference (ASC) Basketball Championship Tournament, highlighted by a conference championship win for the Cowgirls and a second-place finish for the Cowboys.

The Cowgirls won the ASC championship with a 73–46 victory over Howard Payne University in the title game. The Cowboys also reached the championship game but fell 90–81 to the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor.

Both teams earned the opportunity to host the tournament after strong regular season performances, bringing postseason basketball to Abilene and allowing Hardin-Simmons to compete on its home court.

“This season has been a roller coaster,” Asher Fleming, a junior undecided major from Lubbock, said. “There’s been some ups and downs, but overall, it’s been a fun journey to go through with my team.”

“The biggest key to our success has been our ability to answer when things aren’t going our way,” Fleming said. “Whether that’s a loss or being down in games, we’ve found ways to respond. It means everything to be able to host this year. We feed off the fans’ energy and want to win in front of our friends and family.”

“This season was defined by resilience and unity,” MaeSyn Gay, a sophomore sports management major from Burnet, said. “We grew into a close team and continued to push each other every day.”

Gay credited the team’s competitive practices and support for one another as key factors in the Cowgirls’ championship run. “Everyone wanted to win, and that pushed us to get better,” Gay said. “The support we have for each other really sets this team apart. Hosting the championship at home means everything to us. It’s rewarding to play on our home court with the support of our community.”

With a conference championship secured by the Cowgirls and a strong postseason showing from the Cowboys, HSU closed out the ASC Tournament with memorable performances in front of a home crowd.