ABILENE — It was a big test on Saturday afternoon for the Sul Ross State women's basketball team.

The Lobos brought in their five-game winning streak to the Mabee Complex to take on nationally-ranked Hardin-Simmons.

Sul Ross showed it could compete at times, but the Cowgirls were able to nail the big shots to pull out the 71-63 victory.

Hardin-Simmons was ranked No. 18 by d3hoops.com.

The Lobos held a 9-6 lead early in the first quarter after Kayley Diaz made a layup that was dished out by Vania Hampton.

Hardin-Simmons then went on a run to take a seven-point lead before Sul Ross got a jumper from Diaz to trail 16-11 after one.

The Lobos had trailed by as much as nine in the second quarter before surmounting a comeback to be within three points with 5:16 remaining.

In the third quarter, Sul Ross had cut the deficit to two with a three-pointer by Marley Rokas that came with 8:37 to go in the frame.

The Cowgirls then pulled out to a 12-point lead heading in the fourth quarter.

Hampton led Sul Ross with 16 points and nine rebounds while Melody Martinez also chipped in with 16 points.

Diaz added with 12 points.

The Lobos shot 13 of 20 from the charity stripe while they grabbed 34 rebounds.

Hardin-Simmons had the hot hand, knocking down 10 three-pointers, which proved to be difference.

>> RECORDS: Sul Ross 6-4 (3-1); Hardin-Simmons 7-2 (4-0)

>> UP NEXT: The Lobos travel to Belton to take on the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor at 1 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 17.