GEORGETOWN, Texas - Four Pirates scored in double-digits as Southwestern easily handled Austin College on Friday night, winning 80-57 to improve to 13-11 on the year and 10-5 in the SCAC.
The lead bounced back and forth in the opening minutes, but it wasn't long before the Pirates took control and steadily built their lead to as many as 15, 35-20, with just over four minutes to play in the first half.
With a final push in the final minutes of the first half Southwestern took a 17 point lead, 46-29, into halftime after Bri Guevara's (pictured) three-pointer.
It took just five minutes in the second half for SU to push their lead to 22 thanks to Katelyn Bartell converting on the free throw after being fouled, and making, a layup. A pair of three's by Madison Eschle in the next two minutes gave Southwestern a 24 point lead, 64-40 with 10:50 to go.
A three by Anna Fareed gave the Pirates their largest lead of the game, 31 points, with four minutes to play and Southwestern cruised to the finish.
Southwestern shot 45.7% from the field, 38.5% from three point range, and was led by Jordan Owens' 15 points. Chelsea Leeder followed close behind with 13 points, Eschle added 12 and Annie Bourne posted a double-double with 10 points and a game high 14 rebounds.
Austin College was held to 36% from the field, 20.8% from three point range. AC's Kersti Marusich led all scorers with 24 points.
The Pirates were +18 in rebounding margin and committed just 13 turnovers.
With Colorado College inactive on Friday the Pirates move a full game ahead of the Tigers in first place in the SCAC West after the win. They remain on the road to face the University of Dallas on Saturday who is fighting for the final spot in the SCAC Tournament. Game time is set for 6:00 pm.