AUSTIN, Texas – The Wayland Baptist Flying Queens continued their strong start to the 2026-27 season Wednesday evening, November 4, earning a convincing 68-51 road victory over Huston-Tillotson University at Branch Gymnasium. The win improves Wayland to 2-0 on the season as the Flying Queens remain undefeated through their first two contests.
Wayland overcame an early deficit and used a strong defensive effort, balanced scoring, and a commanding advantage on the boards to take control of the contest.
Huston-Tillotson opened the game with an 8-2 advantage before the Flying Queens responded with an offensive surge. Three-pointers from Timotea Najbrtova and Peyton North helped Wayland take a 10-8 lead midway through the opening quarter. Iliana Hernandez added another three-pointer, but the Rams closed the period with a late push to take a 17-15 advantage into the second quarter.
The Flying Queens responded in the second period, outscoring Huston-Tillotson 19-11 to regain control. A three-pointer from Bella Dabbs gave Wayland a 20-17 lead early in the quarter, while Heaven Hayden and Tyanna Simpson helped the Flying Queens build momentum offensively. Wayland closed the half with a 34-28 advantage.
Wayland's defense took over in the third quarter, holding Huston-Tillotson to just 11 points while extending its lead. Najbrtova provided a spark off the bench, scoring seven points in the period, including three successful field-goal attempts. The Flying Queens outscored the Rams 16-11 in the quarter, carrying a 50-39 lead into the final 10 minutes.
The Flying Queens continued their strong play in the fourth quarter, outscoring Huston-Tillotson 18-12 and extending their advantage to as many as 21 points before securing the 17-point victory.
Heaven Hayden led Wayland offensively with a team-high 18 points, connecting on 10 free throws while adding eight rebounds and two assists.
Simpson delivered an impressive all-around performance, finishing with 16 points and a game-high 11 rebounds to record a double-double. She shot 5-of-12 from the field and converted six free throws.
Najbrtova provided a strong contribution off the bench, finishing with 10 points on an efficient 4-of-5 shooting performance while collecting five rebounds.
Hernandez added nine points, connecting on three of her five attempts from beyond the arc. She also contributed five rebounds and three assists. Dabbs finished with six points, while North added five points, four assists, three rebounds, and a blocked shot.
Defensively, Wayland held Huston-Tillotson to just 19.4% shooting from the field and 20% from three-point range. The Rams managed just five made three-pointers in the contest and were held without a three-pointer throughout the second half.
The Flying Queens controlled the glass, outrebounding Huston-Tillotson 53-37, including 38 defensive rebounds. Wayland also held a 30-14 advantage in points in the paint and received 19 points from its bench.
As a team, the Flying Queens shot 39.3% from the field and 40% from beyond the arc, connecting on six three-pointers. Wayland also converted 18-of-26 free-throw attempts.
Huston-Tillotson was led by Cierra Taylor, who finished with a game-high 25 points, while Kimora McClure added eight.
Following the victory, Flying Queens Head Coach Jordan Vessels praised her team's toughness, resilience, and balanced offensive contributions in securing a road win.
"That was a game of grit and toughness! Both teams battled every possession. I am happy for our kids to go on the road and get a solid win. Tyanna Simpson and Heaven Hayden played such big minutes for us tonight, but our balanced attack is what was key for us. Time to rest and recover with a quick turnaround on Friday in San Antonio," said Vessels.
The victory marks Wayland's second consecutive win to open the season after defeating Paul Quinn College 71-62 in its season opener.
Up Next:
The Flying Queens (2-0) will look to remain undefeated when they face St. Thomas University (Fla.) on Friday, November 6, at 2:00 p.m. Central Time. The matchup will take place at Our Lady of the Lake University in San Antonio, Texas, as Wayland continues its early-season nonconference schedule.
