Lubbock, Texas – Coming off a midweek exhibition against Abilene Christian, the Belles took on their first ranked opponent of the season in Daeman, the 20^th-ranked team in Division II. The Belles played their best game of the season, even leading with 30 seconds left in the game before the New York-based team scored with 19 seconds left to clinch the one-point victory, 54-53.

The Belles came out of the gates strong, holding the Wildcats to only five points in the first quarter while scoring 13 points of their own.

The Wildcats would outscore the Belles 38-28 over the next two quarters to take a lead heading into the final quarter.

The Belles would outscore the Wildcats 12-11 in the final frame but still came up a single point short.

Tayjanna McGhee-Pleasant led the Belles with 16 points on 7-11 shooting from the floor, also hitting a pair of threes. McGhee-Pleasant would also block a pair of shots on the defensive end.

Madeline Stephens nearly notched a double-double with 11 points, shooting 4-6 from the field, to go with nine rebounds.

Blakely Gerber led the team with five assists while Madisen Honea recorded four steals as the Belles forced the Wildcats into 22 turnovers, the second-most the Wildcats have committed dating back to last season.

The Belles return to action tomorrow to take on Southern Nazarene. Game is set to tip off at 3 p.m.