The University of the Southwest Women's Basketball team hosted two RRAC opponents on Thursday and Saturday. The Lady Mustangs struggled over the two days as they fell in both contests. On Thursday, they fell to Huston-Tillotson University 83-50 and dropped their game against Our Lady of the Lake University 76-64 on Saturday. 
 
 
Huston Tillotson
 
The Lady Mustangs (3-12, 1-8 RRAC) looked to get themselves going against a middle-of-the-pack Huston-Tillotson (8-8, 6-4 RRAC) squad with only a handful of weekends left in the season. 
 
Both squads came out strong offensively in the first quarter, with Huston-Tillotson securing an early 22-18 lead, setting the tone for the rest of the game. The Lady Rams were able to create some breathing room in the second quarter and head into the half ahead 41-29. 
 
The third quarter is where it would get away from the Lady Mustangs, as they were only able to put up nine points against a tough HTU defense. This would leave USW looking for a strong comeback as they went into the final quarter down 64-38. Huston-Tillotson would not take their foot off the gas as they outscored Southwest 18-12 in the fourth quarter, securing the 82-50 victory. 
 
For Southwest, Freshman Karinna Ortiz and Sophomore led with 10 points each. Senior Sierra Smith dominated the boards with 20 and added seven points, four steals, and four assists. 
 
 
Our Lady of the Lake
 
Looking to end the week strong, Southwest (3-13, 1-9 RRAC) took on Our Lady of the Lake (11-6, 8-2 RRAC), who was sitting in third place in the RRAC standings. 
 
The Lady Mustangs played right with OLLU in the first quarter, finishing tied 22-22 with their conference foe. There would be some separation in the second quarter as the Saints would take a five-point lead going into the half, but still, a manageable deficit going into the second half. 
 
In the third quarter, OLLU would show why they are a top-three team in the conference. The Saints would put up 23 and hold USW to just 12 points in the quarter, making it 64-48. The Lady Mustangs would outscore OLLU 16-12, but it would not be enough to come back from the deficit. 
 
Junior Tamaria White put in a strong effort with 20 points and four steals. Senior Awreona Ransom also played well for the Lady Mustangs with 17 points. Another dominating game attacking the boards for Senior Sierra Smith as she finished with 24 rebounds. 
 
Women's Basketball hits the road again for another trip to Louisiana as they will take on Louisiana Christian on Thursday, January 19^th, and Xavier (LA.) on Saturday, January 21^st. Continue to follow USW Athletics and USW Women's Basketball on all social media for scores and updates throughout the season.