SHERMAN, Texas - The Southwestern University women's basketball team had no answer for the Austin College 'Roos on Friday evening, falling 78-55 in the conference opener at Hughey Gymnasium.
It was a tough shooting night for the Pirates, going 16 of 59 (27%) including 5 of 16 (31%) from deep and 18 of 24 (75%0 from the free throw line. On the other end, Austin College was impressive, shooting 30 of 63 (48%) from the field and 7 of 18 (39%) from behind the arc.
Southwestern and Austin College were even in rebounds at 40 a piece while the Pirates turned it over 20 times. The 'Roos dominated the paint with 35 points while Southwestern did get 42 of its 55 points from its bench.
Austin College jumped out to a 7-0 lead and extended that lead out to a 19-4 in the first. The 'Roos took a 25-8 lead at the end of one. Austin College continued to play well going into the second quarter, leading by 27 at 39-12.
Southwestern got its offense in motion in the final three minutes cutting the deficit to 21 as they were down 45-24 at the break.
The Pirates tried to find a run to get back into the contest, but on this night, they were no match as the 'Roos pulled away to take a lead as high as 36 and eventually closed the game out with the 23 point win.
Sophomore Zhazze Brown led the Pirates with a career-high 18 points on 5 of 8 shooting. Senior Renee Walker scored nine while freshman Noel Pratts scored six to go with two steals. Junior Kelsey Faykus pulled down six rebounds.
Bryce Frank and Ally Longaker led the 'Roos with 16 points each while Addison Walling had 11 assists.
Southwestern falls to 4-8 overall and 0-1 in the SCAC. They return to action on Sunday as they travel to Shreveport, La. for a 2 PM matchup against Centenary.