ABILENE, Texas (Interstat) — In a taut Western Athletic Conference rematch defined by defense and a decisive final minute, the Abilene Christian Wildcats edged the visiting Tarleton State Texans 68-65 in a women’s basketball game Tuesday night at Moody Coliseum.

The game, played before an announced crowd of 894, was a defensive struggle from the outset. Both teams shot under 43% from the field and combined for 42 turnovers. The Wildcats, however, capitalized slightly better on their opportunities, posting an offensive rating of 91.2 on 75 possessions compared to the Texans’ 89.9 on 72 possessions. The difference ultimately came at the free-throw line, where Abilene Christian made 12 of 16 attempts while Tarleton State converted just 6 of 9.

Abilene Christian, which improved to 16-6 overall, was propelled by a stellar performance from junior guard Payton Hull. The Peaster, Texas, native scored a game-high 27 points, including a crucial three-pointer and a traditional three-point play in the final four minutes to help secure the victory. She added four assists in 39 minutes of action.

Tarleton State, which fell to 11-10, was led by the interior presence of 6-foot-6 sophomore Elodie Lutbert of Sainte-Luce, Martinique. Lutbert scored 16 points, grabbed multiple offensive rebounds, and recorded three blocks. Caroline Lyles of Argyle, Texas, added 11 points for the Texans.

The contest was a back-and-forth affair with neither team able to establish a commanding lead. Abilene Christian held a 21-17 advantage after a first quarter that saw six lead changes. The Wildcats extended their lead to eight points late in the second quarter, but the Texans closed the half on a 7-2 run to trim the deficit to 35-31 at intermission.

The third quarter belonged to the Wildcats, who outscored Tarleton State 22-14. Hull and Erin Woodson, who finished with 10 points, keyed the surge that gave Abilene Christian a 57-45 lead heading into the final period. The Texans, however, refused to relent. They opened the fourth quarter with a 12-0 run, tying the game at 57-57 with just over seven minutes remaining. The spurt was fueled by six points from Alexis Rynders, who finished with 10, and a three-pointer from Jakoriah Long.

The game then settled into a tense, possession-by-possession battle. With the score tied at 64-64 and under three minutes to play, Hull delivered the most important sequence of the night. She hit a difficult turnaround jumper while being fouled and completed the three-point play at the line, putting the Wildcats ahead 67-64 with 2:54 remaining.

Tarleton State had multiple chances to tie or take the lead in the final minute. After a Lutbert layup cut the deficit to 67-65, the Texans got a critical defensive stop. With 16 seconds left, Caroline Lyles stole an inbound pass, giving Tarleton State a final opportunity. The Texans ran a play for Gia Adams, but her three-point attempt from the top of the key rimmed out with four seconds left. Abilene Christian’s Natalia Chavez was fouled on the rebound and made one of two free throws to seal the three-point win.

The most important part of the game was unquestionably the final three minutes, where Hull’s individual brilliance and a key defensive stop decided the outcome. After Tarleton State’s furious comeback had erased a 12-point deficit and tied the game, Hull’s three-point play provided the Wildcats a cushion they would not relinquish. The Texans’ final possession, which resulted in a clean look from three that failed to fall, encapsulated a night where their offense, particularly from the perimeter where they shot 5 of 18, could not find a consistent rhythm.

The victory completed a regular-season sweep for Abilene Christian, which also defeated Tarleton State 64-59 on Jan. 8. The two in-state rivals are scheduled to meet for a third time on Feb. 14 in Stephenville.

Statistically, Tarleton State dominated inside, scoring 44 points in the paint to Abilene Christian’s 32 and grabbing 11 offensive rebounds. The Texans also forced 19 Wildcat turnovers, converting them into 20 points. However, Abilene Christian’s ability to connect from deep—making 8 three-pointers to Tarleton’s 5—and their efficiency at the foul line proved to be the marginal advantages.

Abilene Christian returns to action Thursday at home against Utah Valley. Tarleton State will host California Baptist on Thursday.