Pirates Claw-Out Win over Crusaders

Pirates Claw-Out Win over Crusaders

GEORGETOWN, Texas - Southwestern survived a tough offensive night to defeat the University of Dallas 73-55 on Friday evening for the annual Play for Kay game.

SU opened on an 8-0 run, but UD soon found their rhythm and pulled within two, 12-10 halfway through the opening frame.

A Dallas timeout allowed the Pirates to refocus and increase their lead, but the Crusaders refused to go away as the game remained tight throughout the remainder of the half. Southwestern retained the lead and took a five point advantage 34-29 into the locker room.

SU struggled from long range in the first half, going 0-14 and shot only 35.9% from the floor. They did pull down 10 offensive boards and recorded six steals to offset the offensive struggles. Jordan Owens took on the bulk of the scoring, posting 17 points in the first 20 minutes of play in 7-12 shooting, 3-3 from the free throw line. Annie Bourne posted eight rebounds in the first frame.

Southwestern was strong to open the second half and pushed their lead to nine, 40-31, with a tough press. Fast break points allowed the Pirates to push on and extend their lead to 13, 47-34, with just under 16 minutes to play.

A three pointer by Valerie Logan in from the corner sparked a rally that lasted until the final buzzer sounded. Her shot put the Pirates up by 10, 56-46, with just over eight minutes to play and came at a time that the University of Dallas was attempting a run. SU only allowed nine points the rest of the way while scoring 17 to seal the win.

Southwestern's offensive struggles continued throughout the second half as they ended shooting 39.2% from the floor and just 5.6% from three point range. UD went 41.8% from the field and 22.2% from the floor but committed 27 turnovers in the loss. SU also had a huge rebounding night with 50 boards, 21 offensive.

Owens led with 27 points on the night while Bourne posted another double-double with 18 points and 14 rebounds. Katelyn Bartell added in 10 points and seven boards in the win. UD's Christina Kurt led the Crusaders with 24 points.

Southwestern improves to 17-7 on the year and 11-3 in the SCAC while the University of Dallas falls to 11-13 overall and 4-10 in conference play. SU wraps up regular season play on Sunday, hosting Colorado College for senior day at noon.