With a 71-58 win over Trinity University in Sunday's SCAC Championship game, Southwestern snatched their first SCAC Conference Title since 1997-98 and earn a spot in the NCAA National Championship.
Southwestern was on fire in the first half, shooting an unheard of 60.9% from the floor and 63.6% from three point range while holding the Tigers to below 25% from both distances. Trinity was also held to just eight field goals and 22 points in the first 20 minutes. For their efforts, Southwestern took a 39-22 lead into the locker room at the half.
In the second half Southwestern keep working hard and maintained a double digit advantage through the first nine minutes, but the Tigers were on the prowl and searching for a comeback, pulling within 14, 50-36, with 10:54 remaining.
Trinity pulled within single digits for the first time in the second half, nine points, 65-56 with 1:20 to play with an aggressive and effective full court press. The Pirates refused to be denied the title, however, and confidently took care of business to seal the championship with a 71-58 win.
SU closed the game shooting 56.4% from the floor and 47.1% from three point range and 79.2% from the free throw line. Owens led with 21 points and 10 rebounds while Annie Bourne added 12 points and 14 boards. Madison Eschle and Audrey Garcia also added 12 points each in the win.
Trinity struggled offensively all night as the Pirates were all over the court defensively. They shot just 27.6% from the floor and 19.4% from three point range and was led by Anecia Richardson's 15 points.
Southwestern also dominated the glass, posting a +15 rebounding margin but committed 20 more turnovers, 28-8.
Owens earned tournament MVP after leading the Pirates in scoring. Bourne and Garcia were also All-Tournament selections.
The Pirates improve to 14-12 on the season and earn a spot in the NCAA Division III National Tournament with the Championship. They will learn their match-up during the NCAA selection show on Monday, March 2nd at 2:30 pm EST. The selection show can be viewed online at http://www.ncaa.com/liveschedule.
