SHERMAN, Texas - Despite trailing the whole game, the Hendrix College women's basketball team had a chance to take a lead with 2.5 seconds but could not capitalize as the Warriors (3-6) lost to Austin College 57-54 in Hughey Gym on Thursday afternoon.

The host 'Roos (3-4) built a 17-3 lead over the first six minutes of the game. Hendrix scrapped back and ended the first period on a 12-2 run to go into the break trailing 29-27.

Senior forward Katie Coughran made the first bucket of the second half to tie the game, but Austin pushed to lead back out to 10. The 'Roos led 55-49 with 1:46 left before freshman forward Anna King hit a jumper and sophomore point guard Caitlin Kriesel-Bigler buried a three-pointer from the corner to to make the game 55-54 with 43 seconds left.

With the score still at 55-54, freshman forward Taylor Neal had a chance to take a lead with 2.5 seconds left with two free throw attempts. After missing both, Austin's Brooke Melton grabbed the rebounded and made her two free throws with 2.6 seconds left to seal the win for the 'Roos.

Hendrix shot 34 percent (31-of-61) from the field, 5-of-17 from three-point range and 7-of-11 at the free throw line. Austin shot 31 percent (20-of-64) overall, 7-of-18 from outside and 10-of-12 at the stripe. The 'Roos also had a 46-39 rebound advantage.

Kriesel-Bigler led the Warriors with 15 points and dished out three assists. Senior center Jamie Tate scored 10 to go with 16 rebounds, two assists, a block and two steals. King finished with 10 points and Coughran had seven points and a career-high three blocks. Neal had three assists and a season-best nine boards.

Erin Riley paced Austin with 18 points, 11 rebounds, four assists and two steals. Kendall Heitmeir came off the bench to score 10 points and Brittany Stepanski had eight points and eight rebounds.

Hendrix will return to action on Dec. 28 when they host East Texas Baptist at 3 p.m.