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GEORGETOWN, Texas - Southwestern led by 18 points in the second half and fended off the attempted comeback by Austin College to defeat the 'Roos 61-52 in SCAC conference action on Friday night. The win improves the Pirates to 5-4 on the year and 2-1 in the conference.
Southwestern opened the game in a full court press that was immediately effective as the Pirates forced three turnovers and one offensive foul in the first four possessions to open the game, converting on all to take the early lead.
After a string of three pointers from Austin College the 'Roos pulled within five points, 22-17, with just over five minutes to go in the half, but SU turned up the offensive pressure to force two more turnovers and push their lead to seven, 32-25, heading into halftime.
AC was able to stay in the game despite their 13 first half turnovers by shooting 50% from three point range (4-8) in the opening frame. SU's Chelsea Leeder scored nearly half of the Pirates' points, posting 14 first half points in just 17 minutes of play.
Southwestern pressed on in the second half, allowing just eight points through the first 12 minutes of the second half and pushed their lead to 18, 51-33, using offensive rebounds to fuel their offense.
Austin College managed a quiet comeback and pulled within eight points, 56-48, with just three minutes to play and came within seven, 56-49 with 1:20 to go. The Pirates were able to close out the close game, however, from the free throw line, making 3-4, to secure the 61-52 win.
Leeder led the way with 24 points as the Pirates shot 32.9% from the floor. Owens posted her third double-double of the season with a team high 10 boards and 12 points. AC's Allie Collyer led all rebounders with 12 boards while Christian Kime posted 16 points to lead for the 'Roos. After a hot first half Austin College cooled off to end shooting 32.8% from the floor, 29.4% from three-point range.
Southwestern remains at home for another SCAC contest on Saturday, facing the University of Dallas at 4pm.