Bulldogs Uses Second Quarter Blitz to Sink Pirates

GEORGETOWN, Texas -- For the second time in 72 hours, Texas Lutheran used hot shooting from the floor and the free throw line to secure a blowout victory over the Southwestern Pirates, defeating the Pirates 74-46 Saturday evening at the Robertson Center in Georgetown.

TLU improved its overall record to 8-2 for the second straight season under head coach Troy Patterson. In its NCAA history, TLU has opened a season 8-2 or better three times.

The Bulldogs saw three Bulldogs reach double figures on Saturday, led by Sarahi Jones (Los Fresnos/Los Fresnos) and Lauren Sansano (San Antonio/FEAST) who finished with 19 points each. The 19 points are a new career-high for Jones, who finished 6-of-10 from the field and 6-of-7 from the line while adding a game-high seven rebounds. Since returning from the Christmas break, Jones is averaging 13.7 points and 11.3 rebounds. Sansano added a game-high four assists in addition to her 19 points on 8-of-11 shooting. Kailee Mulkey (New Braunfels/New Braunfels) finished in double figures for the sixth straight game, finishing with 17 points, two assists, two steals, and a game-high seven rebounds.

TLU was once again solid defensively, forcing 16 turnovers and eight steals.

Texas Lutheran led wire-to-wire for the second straight contest, starting the game with a 14-5 run. The Bulldogs would limit the Pirates to nine points in the second quarter to push their lead to 35-19 entering the halftime break.

The Bulldogs pushed their lead to over 20 points in the third quarter where it would remain for most of the second half with TLU's final margin of victory (28) being their largest lead of the night.

Up next, TLU returns to Memorial Gymnasium on Friday, January 10, as they welcome the St. Thomas Celts to Seguin. Tip-off is set for 5:30 PM. The game will be streamed on TLU+. All streaming and live stats links will be available on tlubulldogs.com.