Women’s Basketball Propels In Second Half To Down Southwestern

The Westminster women’s basketball team came back from a first half deficit to defeat Southwestern University 70-63 Saturday in Tulsa, Oklahoma. The Westminster Blue Jays met halfway with Southwestern to play at Rhema Bible College and marked their first season win after ending the Tip Off Tournament last weekend with an 0-2 record.

“We’ve been emphasizing defense all year and tonight we were able to come back because of consistent defense,” said sophomore Kasey Gatson.

The Southwestern Pirates started the game with a 10-0 run before a layup by Gatson put a stop to it. The Pirates continued to propel, grabbing a 16 point lead with 4:31 left in the first half. The Blue Jays cut the deficit to 9, 38-29, heading into halftime.

The Blue Jays stuck with the Pirates and the game stayed within 10 points. With 6 minutes left in the game, the Blue Jays started their 15-0 run.

A three pointer from senior Leigh Ann Lutz gave the Blue Jays their first lead of the game, and two free throws by Gatson put the Blue Jays up by 8 with 1:49 left on the clock, 64-56.

The Pirates kept in it, bringing the game within four with 1:09 left on the clock. The Blue Jays kept strong and defeated the Pirates 70-63.

“It was a great team win and fun to be a part of,” commented Gatson, after leading the game with 18 points and going 6-6 from the foul line. She also tallied three assists.

“The win showed a lot about this team,” said Head Coach Tracey Braden. “We were down by 16 in the first half and they patiently chipped away with getting stops on defense and attacking on offense. I’m very proud of them!”

Sophomore Mackenzie Haddox also led the game with 18 points after going 8-9 on free throws. The Blue Jays went 25-38 overall from the foul line. Sophomore Jen Herndon tallied six rebounds.