Dec. 30, 2008
Box Score
Despite putting together two strong runs and shooting 67% from the three-point line in the second half, Pacific Lutheran University outlasted Southwestern University 56-61 in the consolation game of the Southwestern Invitational.
After a frustrating first half consisting of long stretches without scoring, the Pirates found themselves down only by 10 going into the halftime break.
The second half began on a much different note with the Pirates starting the period on a 10-3 run, bringing the game even at 29-29 near the 17 minute mark, the first time the game had been tied since the opening tip. Pacific Lutheran was able to put together a run of their own, going up by 10 again at 11:10 on a pair of Jordan Westering three-pointers.
Pacific Lutheran would see their largest lead of 14 points with just under 6 minutes to play. Southwestern put together their second big run of the game to pull within 5 on a Jessica Herbst three-pointer with 3:03 left to play. After a couple of offensive rebounds by PLU, Southwestern was forced to foul. The Lutes' Nikki Scott capitalized and connected on both free-throw attempts, pushing PLU's lead back to 7 with 1:09 to play.
On the next possession, sophomore center Staley Mullins connected on a jumper to bring the Pirates within 5 once again. Southwestern was forced to foul PLU's Scott again, but this time she only made 1 of 2 and put the Lutes up by 6 with :30 remaining. Southwestern came down the floor and found sophomore guard Jennifer Tindle open on the wing and she drained a three-pointer to bring the Pirates within 3 at 56-59 with 12 seconds left to go. This would be the closest the Pirates would get as PLU's Scott stepped to the line again and made both free-throws to close out the game.
Southwestern shot lights out in the second half, going 12-25 (48%) from the field, 6-9 (66.7%) from beyond the arc, and 10-12 (83.3%) from the free-throw line. Rebounding was the difference in the game as the Pirates were out-rebounded 41-28.
Tindle led all scorers with 17 points and also led the team in steals (4) and rebounds (6) in 37 minutes of play. Senior forward Natasha Azizi chipped in 11 points in just 22 minutes. Azizi was also named to the Southwestern Invitational All-Tournament team for her play both days.
With the loss the Pirates fall to 3-7 on the season. Their next game will be on Friday, January 2 at 8:00 p.m. as they resume conference action with a home game vs. Hendrix.
