MONTGOMERY, Ala. - It has not been an uncommon occurrence for Natalie Shumpert to take over in a big game throughout her career.

So when the senior did it again tonight, it really should not have come as a surprise to anyone.

Shumpert scored a season-high 33 points, 18 in the second half to make sure that No. 20 Auburn Montgomery (Ala.) would not make a comeback. The result was a 75-49 win over the previously undefeated Warhawks.

It marked the seventh time in her career that Shumpert had scored 30 or more points. Only two players - Qiana Elam (13) and Meribeth Boehler (8) - recorded more 30-plus point games in their careers.

For the second straight game FHU (10-0) did not get off to the quickest of starts and trailed the hosts, 11-6, with 12:42 left in the first half. But a jumper by Shumpert and a 3-pointer by Brittany Montgomery to tie the game changed that, and the Lady Lions did not trail again.

The first half stayed tight until a 7-0 run by the Lady Lions gave them a 29-19 lead with 3:29 left. AUM (10-1) pulled within seven points before FHU scored the final five points of the half including a buzzer-beating layup by Shumpert.

Freed-Hardeman immediately took control after halftime, opening on an 18-6 run to take a 22-point lead. Shumpert scored 10 points in the decisive stretch.

A layup by Maria Bagwell with 4:51 left gave FHU its largest lead of the game of 26 points (68-42), the same margin that turned out to be the final one.

Hayley Newby was the only other Lady Lion to score in double figures, netting 10 points while playing a few extra minutes in place of Bagwell, who got into foul trouble early in both halves. Amber Alexander pulled down 10 rebounds while Ashley Tate dished out seven assists.

Freed-Hardeman faces another ranked team tomorrow with a visit to No. 25 Faulkner (Ala.) University (9-1) at 2:00 PM.