BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - The PIrate women's basketball team was narrowly defeated 78-71 on Friday night and dropped out of first place in the West for the first time all season and into a five way tie for second place.

Southwestern had a tough first half, shooting just 26.9% from the floor and 12.5% from three point range and found themselves down by 12, 30-18 at halftime.

As the second half got underway the Pirates were slow to start as Birmingham Southern built up a 21 point lead, 60-39, with 7:56 to go. 

A pair of free throws by Anna Fareed (pictured) started the Pirate comeback as they steadily chipped away at the lead. With 4:19 remaining Chelsea Leeder's three pointer brought Southwestern within 13 points, 63-50. The Panthers pushed it back to 20 points.

The Pirates turned up the pressure defensively and took advantage on the offensive end and dropped the Panters' lead to seven points, 78-71 before running out of time in their comeback.

Fareed led all scorers with 28 points on 10-16 shooting. Leeder added in 13 points and had a team high five steals. BSC's Katelyn Wilson led with 16 points for the Panthers.

Southwestern remains on the road to face Rhodes College on Saturday night in an all important game as teams fight for the top four sports in the SCAC Conference Tournament.