GEORGETOWN - Southwestern (10-13, 6-6) was within four points late in the fourth quarter but were unable to get the go-ahead bucket as Austin College (18-5, 11-1) survived to remain in first place in the conference.
The first quarter remained tight the entire way with Southwestern taking the largest lead of the frame, three points, into the second quarter after Noel Pratts' jumper. Austin College opened the second quarter on a run while holding the Pirates scoreless for nearly six minutes, mounting a seven point lead with 5:16 to play in the frame.
Southwestern chipped away and pulled within one just before halftime, but AC closed the half on a 6-2 run to take a five point lead into the locker room, 30-25.
Cecily Woolfolk opened the third quarter with a jumper to get Southwestern started on the right foot, but Austin College got hot from the perimeter and pushed their lead to 11, 54-43, by the end of the frame. AC led by as many as 12 early in the fourth quarter, but the Pirates began to chip away at the lead, eventually pulling within four points, 62-58, after back to back jumpers by Pratts. That is as close as SU would get, however, as the 'Roos always seemed to have the answer down the stretch.
Woolfolk led the Pirates with 14 points while Madison Edwards added 12 and Pratts 11. Kelsey Faykus was just one point shy of recording her first double-double of the season, ending with nine points and 10 boards. Austin College's Bryce Frank led all scorers with 19 points.
Despite the loss the Pirates remain in third place in the SCAC. They remain at home to face Centenary College on Saturday at 6 pm.