Slow Start Dooms 'Roos Against Southwestern

SHERMAN, Texas - The Austin College women's basketball team got out to a sluggish start against visiting Southwestern University, mustering just 15 first half points, and the 'Roos were unable to complete a comeback in a 61-54 defeat on Friday evening in Hughey Gym. The 'Roos are now 7-8 overall and 3-4 in Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference play with the loss.

The 'Roos were sluggish to start the game, making just 2-of-13 field goal attempts in the opening quarter as they found themselves trailing the Pirates 16-6 after one, and the offensive struggles continued in the second frame as Austin College managed nine points on 4-of-12 shooting to head into halftime trailing 29-15. The Southwestern lead grew to 33-17 early in the third quarter, and the Pirates pushed the lead to 45-27 before the 'Roos closed the quarter on a 6-0 run to head into the final frame trailing 45-33. 

Trinity Williams and Maya Dodson knocked down threes to open the scoring and cut it to 45-39, and a three from Dodson with 4:14 left to play brought the 'Roos to within one at 49-48. Kaylee Smith tied the score at 50 apiece with 3:42 left to play, but the Pirates closed the game with an 11-4 run to end the Austin College comeback bid. 

Williams came off the bench to lead Austin College with 15 points and eight rebounds, and Smith added 11 points on 5-of-6 shooting. Dodson hit 3-of-5 from long range on her way to 10 points, as the 'Roos finished the game hittin 33.3% from the field and made just 11-of-23 free throws. Southwestern hit 36.7% from the floor and made 20-of-28 from the line, and Trinity Benitez had game-highs of 18 points and 13 rebounds to pace the Pirates.