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GEORGETOWN, Texas - Annie Bourne was just three rebounds shy of tying an SU record as she posted a double-double to lead the Pirates to an 84-73 victory over UMHB to open the season.
Southwestern kick started the game with a three pointer by first-year Audrey Garcia and cranked up the heat as the game went on, setting the tone for an uptempo contest.
The Pirates maintained a slight advantage throughout the first half and took an eight point lead, 44-36, into the second half.
As the second half got underway, SU turned up the head and went on a 20-4 run in the opening five minutes of the frame.
Southwestern maintained a comfortable lead the rest of the way to close out the game for the win. Jordan Owens led Southwestern with 19 points while Bourne was right behind her with 18 points and a game-high 21 rebounds. Garcia added in 15 points. UMHB's Taylor Tucker led all scorers with 20 points.
Southwestern shot 38.4% from the floor for the game and 16.7% from three point range while the Crusaders posted 32.9% from the field and 21.1% from three point range. The Pirates forced UMHB into 26 turnovers and recorded 16 steals in the win while committing 19 turnovers.
Southwestern begins the year at 1-0 and remain at home to face Texas Lutheran University on Saturday night at 7 p.m.