GEORGETOWN, Texas – The Southwestern women’s basketball team scored 29 points from the free throw line en route to a 76-69 win over the Cardinals of Otterbein in the final game of the SU/AC Classic.

The Pirates headed into halftime down by six, 38-32, despite shooting 14 more free throws than OC, but were out-rebounded by 11 in the half. The Cardinals were hot from the floor, shooting 47.2% from the floor and 42.9% from three point range while SU was held to just 32.3% from the floor and 16.7% from beyond the arc. The 11 made free throws in the first half by SU to Otterbein’s one kept Southwestern in the game heading into the second period.

Southwestern slowly chipped away at the Cardinals’ lead through the second half, largely on fast break points and from the free throw line, eventually pulling even for the first time since the opening tip with six and a half minutes remaining.

First-year Katelyn Bartell gave the Pirates their first lead of the game on the back end of a pair of free throws, putting SU up 56-55.

After trading baskets and the lead over the next three minutes junior Staley Mullins stepped to the free throw line and made one of two free throws, putting Southwestern back on top for the final time 65-64 with 2:49 remaining.

A couple of free throws by junior Shae Seagraves and a layup by senior Jessica Herbst gave the Pirates a five point lead with two minutes to play. Continued sharp free throw shooting helped Southwestern close out the contest to snag their second straight win.

Bartell led the way for Southwestern scoring 22 points on 7-11 shooting from the field and 8-12 from the free throw line. Seagraves and Mullins, both all-tournament team selections, followed with 20 points and 17 points respectively.

As a team the Pirates shot 43.4% from the field including an astounding 59.1% in the second half.

With the win Southwestern improves to 2-2 on the season. They open up SCAC conference action on December 3rd at conference rival Trinity in San Antonio at 6:00 pm.