ABILENE, Texas (Interstat) — In a dramatic reversal of their meeting just three weeks prior, Khloe Lemon scored 25 points and California Baptist weathered a furious second-half rally by Abilene Christian to secure a 74-71 victory in a Western Athletic Conference women’s basketball game Saturday at Moody Coliseum.

The Lancers, who lost by 12 at home to the Wildcats on Jan. 15, appeared poised to run away with the rematch, building a 40-33 halftime lead and extending it to 49-33 early in the third quarter. However, the Wildcats unleashed a 25-5 run spanning the third and fourth quarters, seizing a 58-54 lead and sending the home crowd of 1,167 into a frenzy.

The most important part of the game unfolded in the final minutes, as California Baptist stared down that deficit and the momentum entirely in Abilene Christian’s favor. The Lancers, held to just nine points in the third quarter, found their offensive rhythm just in time. Trailing 67-62 with under five minutes to play, the visitors mounted a decisive 12-0 run. The surge was fueled by defense and clutch shooting. Filipa Barros hit a critical 3-pointer, Shawnee Nordstrom converted a layup, and Lemon, the game’s standout performer, drained her fifth 3-pointer of the afternoon to put the Lancers ahead 71-67 with 1:14 remaining.

Abilene Christian had chances in the final minute. Payton Hull made two free throws to cut the deficit to 71-69 with 38 seconds left, but Lemon answered with a deep 3-pointer on the ensuing possession, pushing the lead back to five. Hull was fouled on a 3-point attempt with 5 seconds left and made two free throws to make it 74-71, but the Wildcats could not get a final shot off as time expired.

The game was a tale of contrasting halves. California Baptist started strong, using a 10-0 run in the first quarter to establish an early advantage. Lemon was instrumental throughout, adding seven rebounds and a block to her game-high point total. Lauren Olsen provided crucial support with 16 points and six rebounds, while Barros contributed 12 points, five rebounds and three steals, including a key block during the Wildcats’ late push.

Abilene Christian’s comeback was spearheaded by Emma Troxell, who scored 22 points, and Hull, who finished with 19 points, six rebounds and four assists. Erin Woodson added 10 points and six rebounds. The Wildcats dominated points off turnovers, 22-11, and outscored the Lancers 25-9 in the pivotal third quarter, but could not sustain it down the stretch.

California Baptist improved to 16-8 overall and avenged its earlier loss to the Wildcats. Abilene Christian, which entered the game with a 70% probability to win according to Interstat’s ELO system, fell to 17-7. The win was a significant road result for the Lancers in the WAC standings, showcasing their resilience after being overwhelmed in the third quarter.

The two teams are scheduled to meet again in Abilene on March 5 to conclude the regular season. California Baptist will host Southern Utah next on Thursday, while Abilene Christian travels to face Texas-Arlington the same night.