GEORGETOWN, Texas – Southwestern fended off a late game rally from East Texas Baptist University Saturday to win their first game of the season 67-66.

Southwestern led the entirety of the first half despite allowing 11 offensive rebounds and shooting just 44% from the free throw line. The Pirates defense was the difference maker, however, as ETBU was held to just 20.6% from the field as SU took a seven point lead, 35-28, into the locker room. 

An aggressive half court press from the Tigers allowed ETBU to close the gap  to two points, 49-47, but Southwestern held onto a slight four point advantage, 53-49, at the end of the third.

It took just two possessions and one minute for ETBU to even the count 53-53 to start the fourth quarter.

Southwestern fought for every point the rest of the way and had a one point lead and the ball with 39 seconds left. The Pirates weren't able to convert, however, leaving the door open for ETBU with 10 ticks left. Zhazze Brown grabbed the defensive rebound and was fouled with one second remaining. Brown converted on one of two, giving new life to the Tigers.

After a timeout ETBU was fouled on their final shot, giving them a shot to tie the game. Hannah Holt missed the first of two shots and sank the second, allowing Southwestern to run out the final tick for the 67-66 win.

Kelsey Faykus led with 14 points while Tori Carraway chipped in 11 and Zhazze Brown 10.

Southwestern (1-3) remains at home for a rematch with Concordia on Sunday at 4 pm.