In a closely contested game at Hobbs, NM, the Southwest squad faced heartbreak in their matchup against Huston-Tillotson, falling 72-66. Despite a strong showing, particularly in the second half, Southwest could not overcome Huston-Tillotson's balanced attack and key performances.

First Half Struggles

The game began with a sluggish offensive output for Southwest, managing only 29 points in the first half. Milinda Arguellez, however, emerged as a bright spot, pouring in a game-high 21 points on an efficient 8-for-12 shooting. The team struggled to find rhythm from beyond the arc early, and turnovers proved costly.

Resilience in the Second Half

The third quarter saw a spark for Southwest as they clawed back into contention with a 20-point effort. Alliah Scallion provided a much-needed boost from the bench, scoring 13 points, including three critical three-pointers. The defensive effort tightened as Southwest outscored Huston-Tillotson in the third quarter.

Late Game Push Falls Short

Despite rallying late, Southwest couldn't overcome Huston-Tillotson's dominance on the boards, where they were outrebounded 35-23. Key turnovers in crunch time allowed Huston-Tillotson to maintain their lead. The visitors' Aliyah Carter anchored their victory with an impressive double-double of 10 points and 10 rebounds.

Bright Spots and Moving Forward

While the loss stings, there were numerous positive takeaways for Southwest. Scallion's sharp shooting and Arguellez's leadership showcased the potential for future games. With adjustments on defense and improved free-throw shooting, the team can bounce back stronger.

Southwest leaves this matchup with lessons learned and eyes on redemption as they prepare for their next challenge.

Southwest will be back in action this Saturday November 23 against Paul Quinn in Dallas, TX.