Austin College Women Edge Texas Lutheran

SHERMAN, Texas - The No. 23-ranked Austin College women's basketball team had its hands full with visiting Texas Lutheran on Saturday evening, but the 'Roos managed to pull out a 68-65 victory over the Bulldogs. The 'Roos are now 20-3 overall and 13-3 in Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference play.

Austin College jumped out to a 10-0 lead in the first quarter before TLU got some hot shooting to chip away at the margin, making it 26-21 heading into the second. The Bulldogs clamped down defensively in the second, limiting Austin College to just 10 points on 5-of-16 shooting in the period. After knocking down 5-of-8 threes in the opening quarter, the 'Roos went 0-for-5 in the second and took a 36-34 lead into the break. 

The 'Roos started strong in the third, with Kacie West scoring five quick points to open the second half, and a three from Ann Savage made it 44-34. After the Bulldogs got back to within six points midway through the quarter, the 'Roos would regain control and head into the final quarter leading 51-42. However, after taking a 60-53 lead on a triple by Ally Longaker with 5:39 left, Texas Lutheran used a 9-0 run to take its first lead of the game at 62-60 with 3:46 on the clock. Savage scored to square things up, and Reagan Chiaverini's acrobatic layup with 1:32 put the 'Roos back on top.

Texas Lutheran would tie the game once again on their next trip down the court, but Longaker would draw a foul on the defensive glass and sink both free throws with the 'Roos in the bonus. Texas Lutheran went to the line shortly after but went just 1-of-2, and Chiaverini knocked down two free throws to seal the victory.

Chiaverini led the 'Roos with 16 points and eight boards, and Longaker and West each chipped in 11 points. Addison Walling scored 10 in the win, while Savage scored seven and handed out three assists in her final game in Hughey Gym.

The 'Roos are on the road next weekend to wrap up the regular season, taking on Centenary in Shreveport and St. Thomas in Houston.