AUSTIN, Texas – Natalie Velardez shot 6-of-11 from the field, finishing with a near double-double to lead the Concordia Texas women's basketball team past McMurry in a 62-46 rout on Thursday inside Concordia Fieldhouse.

Velardez was a force for the Tornados on both sides of the court, tying her career-high with 17 points and pulling down a career-best nine rebounds, including seven on the defensive end.

Defense was key for CTX throughout the night, holding the War Hawks to 33 percent shooting from the field and forcing 23 turnovers.

After being tied at 10-all at the end of the opening quarter, the Tornados found their groove in the second period, led by Velardez's six points in the frame.

McMurry would tie it up at 18-18 after Skylar Reyna's layup, but CTX finished the half strong with a 7-2 run and took a 25-20 lead into the locker room.

In the third quarter, the Tornados widened their advantage, outscoring the War Hawks 19-12. Led by Payton Berger, who scored eight of her 12 points in the period, CTX took a 44-32 lead into the final frame.

In the fourth quarter, six different Tornados recorded at least a point as CTX pulled away. The Tornados took their biggest lead of the night after Berger's layup made it 62-41, cruising to their third conference win of the year, defeating McMurry 62-46.

Berger finished the night with 12 points and five rebounds, while Maxwell reached double figures, adding 10 points and three boards.

Concordia Texas will have a quick turnaround, hosting Hardin-Simmons on Saturday at 1 p.m. inside Concordia Fieldhouse, seeking their third win in their last four games.