LITTLE ROCK, Ark.—Poor second half defensive play and 27 turnovers doomed the Connors State Cowgirls in a Region II D-1 clash Thursday night against Arkansas Baptist College.

"We had the lead at the half, but decided not to play defense in the second half," said Coach Jamie Fisher.

The Buffaloes outscored the Cowgirls 49-31 in the final two quarters en route to a 67-58 victory over Connors. It was Arkansas Baptist's first win of the season (1-2), while the Cowgirls sustained its first loss (3-1) of the year.

Connors returns home Friday to play Southwestern Christian Junior Varsity at 5:30 p.m. at Melvin Self Field House.

"Baptist zoned us the entire game and pinched off our inside game" said Fisher. "When you have 27 turnovers and send them to the free throw line (17-of-28) you are going to lose. Adding, "When you give up 49 points in the second half, I don't care who you are, you are going to get beat," said Fisher.

Buffaloes' Kalia Walker riddled the Cowgirls defense for 33 points to lead all scorers in the game.

"We couldn't stop Walker," said Fisher. "Give Baptist credit, but we didn't help ourselves."

 Zee McCallister and De'Asia Reid led the Cowgirls scoring with 12 and 10 points respectively.

Connors held a nine-point lead at the half, 27-18, before Arkansas Baptist  exploded for 26 third quarter points to take a 44-41 advantage.

The Buffaloes put the game away in the fourth quarter by outscoring Connors 23-17.

Cowgirls were 9-of-20 from the free throw line.

ARKANSAS BAPTIST 67, CONNORS STATE 58

Connors State 9  18  14 17 –58

Arkansas Baptist 11 7 26 23—67

Connors State (3-1)—McCallister 12, Reid 10, Gonzalez 8, Mayes 8, T. Jones 6, Livers 5, L. Wright 5, K. Wright 4.

Arkansas Baptist (1-2)—Walker 33, Cage 7, Roach 7, Hill 6, Knighten 6, Bynum 2, Steen 2.