Women's Hoops Pulls Away at St. Thomas

HOUSTON, Texas - The Austin College women's basketball team broke open a tight game with a 25-point fourth quarter, defeating the University of St. Thomas 74-63 on Tuesday. The 'Roos are now 3-9 overall and 2-2 in Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference play.

Four players reached double figures in the scoring column for Austin College, with Natalie McCoy scoring 17 to go along with seven rebounds, five assists, four steals, and a pair of blocked shots. McCoy was 2-of-4 from long range and 7-of-8 from the free throw line. Kacie West made 6-of-9 shots from the floor, matching McCoy with 17 points and dishing out four assists. Both Sarah Putnicki and Naomi Anamekwe each scored 12 points and pulled down seven rebounds.

The 'Roos got out to a quick start and finished the first quarter leading 16-13, but St. Thomas won the second quarter en route to making it a 30-29 lead for the 'Roos at halftime. Austin College led 49-47 after the third, but the 'Roos poured in 25 points in the final frame to open up the lead thanks to hitting 8-of-12 shots in the quarter, along with going 7-of-8 from the free throw line as a team. 

Austin College finished the game shooting 53.1% from the field and 81% from the free throw line. That field goal percentage is the best of the year for the 'Roos, who also matched their season high with 16 assists.