GEORGETOWN, Texas - An opening run followed by strong defense and rebounding gave the Southwestern women's basketball team their fourth SCAC win, 75-62, over Birmingham-Southern on Friday night. SU improves to 7-7 on the year and 4-1 in the SCAC while BSC falls to 7-8 and 2-4.

Southwestern stormed out of the gate, opening on a 13-0 run through the first four and a half minutes. Birmingham-Southern, though slow to start, pulled within six, 22-16 with 10:32 to play in the half with points in transition and the game remained close through the remainder of the half with the Pirates taking a 34-27 advantage into the locker room. Anna Fareed was hot with 10 first half points including going 2-4 from three point range.

The second half opened like a three-point contest with both teams draining shots from long distance. Second chance points and a strong defensive presence allowed the Pirates to build their lead while BSC tried to return the favor with aggressive defense but quickly pushed Southwestern into the bonus with 12 minutes to play.

SU wasn't able to take advantage immediately, not converting on the first two trips to the free throw line. Fareed's three pushed the lead back to nine, 55-46, with just over ten to go. SU continued to push and brought their lead to 17 with five points from Cara Sheffer and two by Chelsea Leeder after a steal and layup within 30 seconds.

Rebounding on both ends and improved free throw shooting allowed the Pirates to easily seal the win, 75-62.

Southwestern had four players in double figures led by Madison Eschle's game high 19 points. She went 7-11 from the floor and 5-7 from the free throw line in the contest. Fareed added in 18 while Annie Bourne and Jordan Owens each contributed 10. Bourne was the leading rebounder as SU was +11 in rebounding with 11 boards. Melanie Short led BSC with 17 points.

Southwestern shot 44.4% from the field and 28% from three point range while holding the Panthers to just 37.1% from the floor and 20.8% from long range.

The Pirates remain in SCAC action with another home game Saturday night, facing Oglethorpe University at 6pm.