'Roos Come Up Short in Home Battle Against Pirates

SHERMAN, Texas - The Austin College women's basketball team mounted a spirited second half rally but came up short, falling 62-50 to Southwestern University on Saturday afternoon in Hughey Gym. With the loss, the 'Roos drop to 4-3 overall, while Southwestern improves to 6-2 on the season.

The contest was a defensive battle early, with the visiting Pirates holding Austin College to just five points in the opening frame to take a 13-5 lead. However, the 'Roos started to find their offensive rhythm in the second quarter. Sparked by six points from Lexi Martin, Austin College outscored Southwestern 16-11 in the period to narrow the halftime deficit to 24-21. Trinity Williams capped the first half with a three pointer in the waning seconds to pull the 'Roos within striking distance.

Southwestern threatened to put the game out of reach in the third quarter, extending their lead to as many as 15 points at 40-25 with 3:25 left in the period, but the 'Roos closed the quarter on an 8-0 run to enter the final frame trailing 40-33. The fourth quarter saw Austin College claw its way back into contention, with a fast break layup by Avory Miller with 4:31 remaining cutting the margin to just four at 48-44 midway through the frame. Later, a clutch three pointer by Maya Dodson with 37 seconds on the clock brought the 'Roos within six at 56-50.

However, Southwestern sealed the victory at the charity stripe down the stretch. The Pirates converted 20-of-25 free throws for the game, compared to an 11-of-17 effort for Austin College. In the final minute, Neela Castillo and Emma Flores combined to sink six consecutive free throws to ice the game.

Dodson and Martin paced the Austin College offense, scoring 11 points apiece. Dodson added three assists and three rebounds, connecting on 3-of-9 attempts from beyond the arc. Emma Potts was a force on the glass for the 'Roos, pulling down a game-high 10 rebounds while adding three steals. Christen Campbell contributed eight points, four rebounds, and two blocks off the bench.

For Southwestern, Castillo and Kylee Symons led the way with 13 points each, while Adrianna McCoy added 12. The Pirates shot 38.5% from the field, compared to a 34% effort by the 'Roos. The 'Roos knocked down 7-of-25 from long range, while Southwestern hit 2-of-13 from distance. Austin College is back in action on Sunday with another non-conference game, hosting Hardin-Simmons University at 3:00 p.m.