Southwestern was nearly unstoppable offensively as they opened SCAC action with a 72-69 win over Texas Lutheran University.
The first half quickly became a track meet as both teams moved into a high-pressure, up tempo style. Southwestern took a slight advantage late in the half, shooting 50% from three point range and just under 50% from the field while holding TLU to 34.2% from the field and 13.3% from three point range. With the hot offensive output, the Pirates took a seven point lead, 44-37, into the break.
Audrey Garcia led SU with 11 points in the half on 3-3 from three point range and 2-2 from the charity stripe while Annie Bourne grabbed six rebounds in the frame.
Southwestern's hot shooting continued in the second half as they held on to the slight advantage despite the best efforts of the Bulldogs. With 3:50 on the clock the Pirates posted their largest lead, 13 points, with a runner through the lane from Olivia Podaras.
TLU refused to give in, however, and kicked off a 7-0 with a three from Taylor Dydalewicz in the corner to cut Southwestern's lead to five, 68-63, with 2:30 to play.
The Pirates buckled down and were able to stay ahead as Valerie Logan drained a pair of free throws with 37 seconds remaining to put the Pirates up five, 72-67. TLU hit a layup in response but weren't able to close the gap any further as SU took the win, 72-69.
Jordan Owens led all scorers with 16 points and posted 10 rebounds for a double double. Bourne had a game high 14 rebounds. Offensively, McKamie Place posted 12 points and Garcia and Madison Eschle had 11 each. Savannah Hight led TLU with 15 points.
Southwestern ended the game shooting 39% from the floor and 43.5% from three point range while holding TLU to 35.6% from the floor and 17.4% from three point range. The Pirates also won the battle of the boards 47-43.
SU improves to 3-9 on the year and 1-0 in the SCAC while TLU falls to 5-6 overall and 0-1 in conference play. Southwestern remains at home to face Colorado College on Friday at 6 p.m.