GEORGETOWN, Texas - Southwestern got off to a quick start and held a comfortable halftime lead but Oglethorpe shot over 50% in the second half to hang close. SU emerged with the 65-60 to improve to 8-7 on the year and 5-1 in the SCAC.
Valerie Logan (pictured) set the tone for the Pirates off the opening tip, gathering the ball and driving through traffic to the top of the key, draining a three seconds into the game. Southwestern continued to pick apart Oglethorpe's zone defense, scoring nearly at will in the opening minutes to take a quick 8-0 lead.
Through multiple timeouts the Stormy Petrels were able to disrupt SU's momentum and cut the lead to two, 17-15 with 7:15 to go in the half.
Southwestern's offense and defense kicked back in gear in the final seven minutes, closing out the half on a 14-4 run to take a 12 point lead into the locker room. Jordan Owens paced the Pirates on both ends of the floor, nearly posting a double-double in just one half of action with 10 points and 6 rebounds.
Oglethorpe came out of the locker room revived and pulled within five points, 45-40 with just under 12 minutes to play. Southwestern responded with a 6-0 run to go up by 12, 52-40.
Second chance points kept OU within striking distance and SU held a slight lead, 53-49 with just three minutes to play.
OU pulled with three, 55-52, with a three pointer from Sarah Jones, but Anna Fareed answered on the other end to keep the five point lead with two minutes remaining.
Oglethorpe continued to threaten, hanging around just enough to keep the Pirates on their toes as SU led by just three, 61-58 with 35 ticks left on the clock after a jumper by Ky'Laine Rogers. Fareed made one of two from the free throw line and the Pirates got a big stop defensively. Katelyn Bartell added in two free throws on the next foul to give the Pirates a comfortable six point lead with under 20 seconds to play.
Southwestern survived the close game shooting 36.5% from the field and 30% from three point range. OU was much improved in the second half, shooting over 50% from the floor to end with a 40% field goal percentage for the game. The Petrels struggled from the line, however, converting on just five of ten free throw attempts in the game.
Owens and Fareed led all scorers with 16 points each while Chelsea Leeder was close behind with 15. Annie Bourne took the bulk of the rebounding responsibilities for Southwestern, pulling down 12 boards. OU's Rogers led in both categories for the Petrels with 12 points and 11 rebounds.
Southwestern returns to the road to face Centre College on Friday night. Game time is set for 5:00 pm CST.