Hardin-Simmons University used a 16-3 run midway through the second half to break open a tight game and defeat Colorado College, 79-66, on Sunday at Reid Gymnasium.

Alexis Popelar scored seven of her 15 points during the a span of 4:32 that allowed the Cowgirls to turn a 51-48 edge into a commanding 67-51 advantage, and the Tigers never got closer than 11 points the rest of the way.

After Becky Luetjen pulled CC to within three points with 10:01 remaining in the game, the Tigers missed four of their next five shots and committed three of their 20 turnovers.

Luetjen poured in a game-high 18 points to lead Colorado College, while Kalli Kemling finished with 10 points and six rebounds in her season debut.

Colorado College took a 22-20 lead with 8:26 to play in the first half on layup by Kemling and trailed by just one point at 30-29 after Jordy Stephenson scored with 3:23 remaining, but HSU scored eight of the final 11 points to build a 38-32 lead after 20 minutes.

Marissa Gradoz pulled down a career-high eight rebounds to go along with eight points and three assists.

Lindsey Newcombe posted 13 points and 12 rebounds for the Cowgirls, who also got 13 points from Jasmine Lewis.

Colorado College returns to action next Saturday when it plays Finlandia University in the 2010 Colorado College Thanksgiving Classic.