WINFIELD, Kan. – The Lady Builder basketball team gave Friends University all that they could handle on Saturday afternoon inside Stewart Field House. The Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference (KCAC) rival came into today's battle with a strong six-win season under their belts within the conference, but Southwestern frustrated the Falcon offense, holding the visitors to just 47 points in regulation and a 21-of-69 (30.4%) shooting line overall. Unfortunately, after forcing overtime, the Builders could not quite finish the job, falling 60-57 in OT.

"We are really proud of our group's effort tonight," said head coach Whitney Corley. "We didn't come away with a win, but we took a big step in the process of learning what it takes to win."

Both teams had struggles putting the orange into the bucket in the opening quarter, where neither side was able to shoot greater than 4-of-14 (28.6%). Southwestern maintained a 10-6 lead over Friends after the first stanza, as the Falcons seemed heavily flustered on offense.

The visitors were able to find their stride a bit in the second quarter, shooting at 40% for the period. Meanwhile, it was a tough showing for the Builders in the second, as they limped to a 2-of-14 line, which matched the output of the Falcons in the opening frame. A 13-4 quarter in Friends' favor flipped the score around to 19-14 for the guests at the break.

After the break, the Falcons put up their highest point-scoring total in a period in the third, scoring 17 points on five made shots and seven made free throws. The Builders had four made shots in the quarter, all four of which were three-point bombs. The 17-13 score in the period put the SC deficit at 36-27 with just one presumed period to go.

In a highly encouraging turn of events, Southwestern put together their best period of the battle in the fourth, shooting 6-of-13 (46.2%) and making four of their six tries from downtown. They scored 20 points to Friends' 11, which put the score tied at 47 with no time on the clock.

The Builder squad's first overtime game of the season would not end in a victory, however, as the Falcons were able to eke out a 60-57 triumph over SC in the five-minute frame.

Macey Pond was the team's leading scorer, and their only shooter who score more than 10 points. She tallied 15 points in the bout, and was followed by Denisha Anderson and Haven Matthews, who had nine points each. Airalyn Frame had eight points in her second game with the squad, and D'Shonda Hunt added seven points in the effort.

"It was good to see Macey Pond getting back to her scoring ways; she brought some much needed confidence to our group today," Corley continued.

Pond had half of the team's assists in the battle, dishing out four over 38 minutes on the floor. Matthews (2), Anderson (1) and Frame (1) were responsible for the remaining four dimes for Southwestern.

Hunt reeled in a team-high 15 boards, while Frame was second-highest in that category with eight. Anderson added seven boards, and Pond provided six to close out the list of the top four Moundbuilder rebounders.

"D'Shonda Hunt had a big matchup with Taylor Jackson tonight and she played a tough, physical game in the paint and helped elevate our whole team's toughness," opined Corley.

Anderson and Pond were able to block one shot apiece by the Falcons, and Pond's five steals led the squad. Matthews and Heather Chiesi had a pair of thefts each, and Anderson, Hunt, Emily McElroy and Takia Profit all had one.

"Emily McElroy stepped up and got some big rebounds and helped us dig the ball out of the post," Corley stated. "We're excited about the game Airalyn Frame put together tonight and how she's elevating our group's intensity. Overall, we're disappointed we couldn't finish in overtime, but we proved that we can compete with another one of the top teams in the KCAC. We're looking forward to another tough matchup at KWU next week."

Southwestern (3-13, 0-10 KCAC) will now hit the road to face the Coyotes of Kansas Wesleyan University in Salina, Kan. on Wednesday, Jan. 11 at 6 p.m. That battle will precede another home tilt on Saturday, Jan. 14 against the Eagles of Avila University, as the Builders look to get off the schneid with a KCAC victory.

--buildersports.com--