Nov. 15, 2008

Southwestern University opened the season by easily handling Pomona-Pitzer University 66-39 at home.

The game started off slowly with both teams needing time to get in the rhythm of the game.  The Pirates were unable to take advantage of the 13 fouls committed by Pomona-Pitzer, only connecting on 5 of 14 free throws in the first half.  The SU defense, however, was sharp and forced 20 first-half turnovers and only allowed 15 points, giving them 17 point lead going into the break.

The second-half was more of the same with the Pirate defense taking control.  The stiffling defense kept the Sagehens at 27.1 percent shooting (21.1 percent from 3-point) for the game and forced 29 turnovers on the afternoon.

Southwestern University was sharp offensively, shooting 47 percent from the field.  They were led by Senior Natasha Azizi.  Azizi posted 29 points, 18 of them coming in the second half.  JR Narissa Trammell chipped in 13 points in the victory.

The Pirates out-rebounded the Sagehens 51-36 with 20 offensive rebounds.  Sophomore Staley Mullins and Azizi led the way with 9 rebounds a piece.

Next up for the Pirates is an I-35 clash against tough ASC opponent Mary Hardin-Baylor on Saturday, November 22 at 3:00 p.m. in Georgetown, TX.