GEORGETOWN, TEXAS - Southwestern University women's basketball delivered a dominant performance on Sunday afternoon, cruising past Sewanee 86–51 in the Robertson Center to secure its second Southern Athletic Association (SAA) win of the season. The Pirates improved to 11–7 overall and 2–5 in conference play, controlling the contest from start to finish and never surrendering the lead.
After a steady opening quarter, Southwestern broke the game wide open in the second period, outscoring Sewanee 29–15 behind efficient shooting and relentless defensive pressure. The Pirates shot 60.0 percent from the field and an impressive 83.3 percent from three-point range in the quarter, taking a 42–26 advantage into halftime. Southwestern continued to build separation in the third quarter, holding Sewanee to just five points while adding 26 of its own to put the game out of reach.
The Pirates' balanced attack was reflected in the team statistics, as Southwestern shot 53.6 percent from the field and 50.0 percent from three-point range for the game, while converting 15-of-24 attempts at the free throw line. Southwestern dominated key areas, scoring 32 points in the paint, 34 points off turnovers, and 18 second-chance points, while also adding 12 fast break points.
GAME HIGHLIGHTS
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Neela Castillo led all scorers with a career night, pouring in a program-record 39 points on 15-of-20 shooting from the field and 8-of-11 from beyond the arc. Castillo's performance broke the Southwestern women's basketball single-game scoring record, which had stood since 2014. She also added eight steals and four rebounds in 36 minutes of action.
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Trinity Benitez followed with 12 points and five rebounds, going 6-of-8 from the free throw line.
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Emma Flores chipped in six points and dished out five assists, while Layla Tovar added three points and three assists. Kylee Symons anchored the glass with a team-high seven rebounds.
GAME NOTES
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Southwestern's bench made a significant impact, contributing 24 points. Adrianna McCoy provided an offensive spark with 14 points on 6-of-8 shooting, while Lauren Stevens added five points.
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Alaa Almzayen knocked down a three for three points, Lizzy Kellam contributed two points at the free throw line, and Adley Halligan pulled down three rebounds.
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The Pirate's defensive pressure was most evident in the third quarter, as Sewanee was held to two made field goals on eight attempts and just five points.
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Southwestern outscored Sewanee in every period, posting quarter totals of 13, 29, 26, and 18 points compared to Sewanee's 11, 15, 5, and 20, as the Pirates secured an 86–51 victory in dominant fashion
UP NEXT
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The Pirates will travel to Danville, Ky. to take on Centre College on Friday, January 30th, with tipoff scheduled for 5:00 p.m. Central Time
