University of Dubuque's red hot shooting in the first half propels them past Southwestern University
The University of Dubuque enjoyed the relatively warm Texas weather so much after leaving behind Iowa's winter snow they figured they would bring some heat of their own into Monday's game as they took on Southwestern University. Much to the chagrin of the Pirates, their heat came in the form of red hot shooting as they shot 50% from the field in the first half to help them claim a 58-52 win in the Southwestern University Invitational.
Dubuque used a steady offensive attack in the first several minutes of the game to stake themselves to a double digit lead as several players hit early baskets. The Pirates however got off to a slow start and Dubuque stayed busy on the boards with 15 first-half defensive rebounds to limit the Pirates second chance shots.
Krystal Parr helped Dubuque build their 34-24 halftime lead as she hit 3-of-4 three pointers and teammate Jennifer Nichols matched her effort with a 3-of-4 performance of her own from behind the arc.
"We have a couple of players that shoot the three really well and they just both happened to get hot at the same time," said Dubuque head coach Mark Noll.
The Pirates managed to hit only one three-pointer in the first half but took advantage of getting to the line on several occasions as they hit 11-of-16 free throws in the first half.
Southwestern chipped away at the Dubuque lead as the second half wore on as they stepped up their defensive pressure. They cut the lead to two late but could not hit the big basket when they needed to. They managed to force 27 turnovers on the night and total 12 steals but that one big basket eluded them late in the game.
"It was a very intense game obviously and it came down to some key rebounds late in the game," said Noll.
Key rebounds where certainly a big part of the Pirates cutting into the Dubuque lead but Staley Mullins also had an impact as she came up with four blocked shots on the night to help Southwestern turn the tide. She also contributed 13 points, 5 rebounds, and 2 steals.
Jennifer Azizi, despite a sore shoulder, led all Pirates in scoring with 16 points. She also went 6-of-7 from the free throw line and had 4 steals.
The Southwestern ladies will be back in action Tuesday evening as the Southwestern University Invitational continues.
