GEORGETOWN, Texas – Southwestern manufactured an impressive second half run to give #17 Rhodes College one of their biggest scares so far this season, but were ultimately defeated 64-56 on Saturday night.
Rhodes was blazing at the outset of the game, forcing Southwestern into turnovers in the half court set and built a quick nine point lead, 11-2. The Lynx continued to pounce as they extended their lead to 13, 28-15, with just under six minutes to play in the half.
RC was held to under 50% from the field in the first half, but still took a 12 point advantage into the locker room, 36-24, after holding SU to just 28.1% from the floor.
After posting their largest lead of the game, 46-28, with 15:10 remaining, Rhodes became complacent and the Pirates took advantage. Back to back layups by Cara Sheffer cut the lead to single digits, 49-41 with ten minutes to go and Chelsea Leeder's three with nine to play brought SU within seven, 51-44.
The seven point deficit barrier was one Southwestern could not crack, however, as Rhodes did just enough to remain ahead and close out the game 64-56.
The Pirates outshot Rhodes in the second half 32-28 and outrebounded the Lynx in the game 44-39. Annie Bourne led SU with 17 points while Jordan Owens added 13 and Chelsea Leeder 10. Rhodes' Symone Daniels led all scorers with 21 points.
Southwestern falls to 2-6 on the year while Rhodes remains undefeated at 6-0. SU has a quick turnaround as they remain at home to face Texas Wesleyan at 5 p.m. on Monday.