CLARKSVILLE, Ark. — Never judge a book by its cover.

Although there are just 10 players on the roster of the Sul Ross State women's basketball team, the Lobos have a heart of gold.

It showed on Thursday night during the American Southwest Conference opener.

Defense created some big opportunities as the Lobos extended their winning streak to three games with a 96-60 win over of the University of the Ozarks at the Mabee Gymnasium.

"Our players play really hard. As long as we play hard, good things are going to happen," said Sul Ross head coach E.J. Lee Smith. "I'm very proud of everybody. We still have a way to go, but we are improving."

The Lobos began on a 3-0 run as Melody Martinez landed the first bucket of the game with a jumper.

Sul Ross increased its lead to six when Lauren Lusk grabbed a steal that resulted in a layup by Martinez.

Marley Rokas then landed a jumper in the paint to put Sul Ross up by eight with 1:30 left in the first quarter.

The deficit was cut to five as the Eagles got a three-pointer just before the end of the first frame.

Sul Ross later used a 16-0 run to increase its lead to 23 points. Vania Hampton and Lusk started the big rally with a pair of layups.

The Lobos then got three-straight jumpers from Hampton, Victoria Aguayo and Martinez.

With 3:12 remaining until halftime, the Eagles ended the rally with a free throw. The Ozarks cut the deficit to 15 at the half.

Sul Ross took a 27-point lead with 3:33 left to go in the third quarter after a jumper by Kayley Diaz.

The Lobos increased their lead to 34 points in the fourth quarter with a layup by Emily Bunger with 4:25 on the clock.

Every single player on the roster contributed in more ways than one.

Rokas scored 24 points and grabbed 13 rebounds while Brianna Martin added with 14 points and four 3-pointers.

"It felt good to come out with a win because it wasn't just me that put points on the board," Rokas added. "Everybody contributed whether it was points, rebounds, backing each other up.
"We played really good defense, and I think that's what won us this game."

Hampton chipped in with 13 points and six boards. Diaz finished with 15 points.

Martinez rounded out the double-digit scoring column with 12 points.

The Lobos dominated on the boards grabbing 53 rebounds to 32 for the Ozarks. Sul Ross shot 20 of 26 from the free throw line while scoring 34 points off of turnovers.

Sul Ross had 14 steals as Lusk grabbed five.

"Our team — we have a lot of heart. That's what it takes to win," said Diaz. "Defense wins games. I think that we all have the mindset to help each other out."

 >> RECORDS: Sul Ross 4-3 (1-0); University of the Ozarks 3-4 (0-1)

>> UP NEXT: The Lobos travel to Richardson for a 1 p.m. tip off on Saturday, Dec. 1 with the University of Texas at Dallas.