GEORGETOWN, Texas – On Southwestern's annual WBCA PinkZone night the Southwestern Pirates secured the win in the final minute of the contest, 75-71 over Austin College.

Southwestern quietly mounted a five point lead heading into halftime, 35-30, largely behind the post play of senior Staley Mullins who posted 12 points and three assists in the opening frame. Austin College hung close with solid bench play including seven points in seven minutes from Ashley Flint.

The Pirates used steals and solid defensive plays to mount a nine point lead four minutes into the second half and forcing a 'Roo timeout.

Southwestern came out strong out of the timeout to lead by 12, 53-41, but then fizzled, allowing Austin College to pull even 55-55 with 8:15 to go after a pair of free throws from Brooke Melton.

After the 'Roos briefly took the lead, 57-55, Southwestern regained control on a three pointer by Katelyn Bartell.

Austin College remained close and continued to threaten but the Pirates always had the answer. AC pulled even on a three pointer by Shayna Clardy but Bartell ran down Anna Fareed's miss on the next possession and was fouled giving Southwestern the ball underneath their own basket.

Chelsea Leeder inbounded the ball to Mullins who found Shae Seagraves open on the perimeter who drained the three giving SU a three point lead, 74-71 with 20 seconds to play.

AC's desperation three pointer was off the mark and Fareed secured the rebound and headed to the line to ice the game. Fareed converted on one of two giving Southwestern a four point lead and Austin College wasn't able to get a shot off as the Pirates hung on for the 75-71 win.

Mullins led the way for SU with 20 points while Fareed and Seagraves both added 17. AC's Kersti Marusich led all scorers with 22 points.

Southwestern was out-rebounded 43-26 but made more free throws than the 'Roos attempted to earn the win.

The win improves SU to 7-7 in the SCAC while Austin falls to 5-7, a crucial two game differential for the Pirates. Trinity defeated Colorado College at home to enter into a tie with SU and putting Colorado, whom the Pirates face on Sunday, a half a game behind for the final two spots in the post season. Game time is set for noon on Sunday as two Pirates, Mullins and Seagraves will play their final game at home.