GEORGETOWN, Texas – The Pirates had a huge rebounding night but struggled to get their offense going as they fell 55-52 to Texas Wesleyan.
The Rams started out on a 6-0 run, put the Pirates quickly responded to even the count 9-9 on Audrey Garcia's three. McKamie Place drained a three of her own on the ensuing possession to give Southwestern their first lead of the contest 12-9, with 12 minutes to go in the half.
After six ties and eight lead changes the game remained deadlocked at 22 despite SU dominating the boards 25-18, including six from Jordan Owens, in the frame.
In a reversal of fates, Southwestern opened the second half on a 15-5 run to go up by ten, 37-27, three and a half minutes into the second half.
An up tempo game became even more so as both teams employed full court presses. The press proved effective for the Rams as they slowly closed the gap, pulling within two points 48-46 with 3:30 remaining.
Amy Moody's three pointer from the top of the key handed the lead back to the Rams for the first time all half, 51-50, with just 1:40 left to play. Jordan Owen's put back with one minute to go gave Southwestern the lead again, but Kashay Barnes hit a runner in response to put TWU back on top 53-52.
A costly SU turnover gave the Rams the chance to seal the win with a pair of free throws from ToiEasha Cooper with eight ticks on the clock. Cooper drained both to give TWU a three point lead, 55-52 and SU never got another chance at the win.
Texas Wesleyan was held to 40% from the floor and 15% from three point range, but Southwestern shot just 28.6% from the field and 32.1% from long range while committing 26 turnovers. Owens led all scorers with 18 points and was the only Pirate in double figures. She was second in rebounds with 10 for her first double-double of the season while Annie Bourne led the charge with 11 boards. TWU's Kayla McCray led the Rams with 11 points.
Southwestern falls to 2-7 on the year with the loss. They take a much needed break before returning to action just after Christmas to play in the D3Hoops.com Classic in Las Vegas, NV. They open against Baruch College on December 27th at 4 p.m. CST.