The Southwestern women's basketball team had the opportunity to put on a show in front of its home crowd, and put on a show they did. With 15 days going by since competing on their home floor, the Spartans, sitting at 4-4, were looking to get above .500. The Lady Pirates from North Central Missouri College, coming in at 5-3 were a very competitive team.

While North Central Missouri College held the lead most of the first half, the Southwestern defense kept the game close. A 40-34 halftime score saw the Pirates on top and they opened up the second half wide open, extending their lead to up to 15 points early in the third quarter. Looking back at early in the third quarter, Head Coach Bryan Austin said, "We didn't do the little things that matter in the end when we needed to."

Late into the third quarter and early into the fourth, shots began falling. 3-pointers by Brielle Baker and Simone Jordan gave Southwestern the lead with 8 minutes to go in the game. The fourth quarter was back and forth with both teams delivering blows.

After a crucial steal and layup by freshman Kaylynn Tucker, the Spartans tied the game with under 30 seconds to go. A contested 3-pointer by the Pirates went in and gave them the lead with 8 seconds remaining, 75-72. Austin commented, "They hit a big shot when it counted, which gave them the ball game." The Spartans got a final chance with Jordan driving to the basket, taking the two points, but were unable to get another effective possession, ending the game 75-74 with North Central Missouri College taking home the victory.

Next up for the Spartans is a home contest against No. 2-ranked Johnson County. The Spartans took a loss on the home court of Johnson County, but look to have a different outcome in Creston. Game time is Tuesday, Nov. 26 at 5:30 p.m.