Winfield, Kan. - Southwestern College women's basketball struggled to finish the game strong in a last- second loss to Friends, 74-75.

This loss drops #14 Southwestern to 17-6 overall and 11-2 in KCAC play while Friends improves to 17-8 overall and 11-2 in conference action.  The two schools are now tied atop the conference standings with a three game lead over third place with only five games to play.

Southwestern went into half with a two point lead (43-41) and an exciting back and forth game would continue in the second half.  The game seemed to be close to over with Southwestern holding onto the ball with a four point lead and only 35 seconds remaining in the game.  Southwestern would turn the ball over two times, give up three offensive rebounds, miss two free throws and ultimately surrender the lead. 

Southwestern was outrebounded by four (38-42), had more turnovers, less assists, and shot a lower percentage from the field for the game.  The Lady Builders also only went 13-24 from the line, where they have shot over 70% from the charity stripe for the season.

SC was led by Brett Bates who finished with 24 points on 7-16 shooting.  Kristy Herman would finish with 11 points and five rebounds.

Next up for Southwestern is a matchup against McPherson College on Saturday in McPherson, Kansas.  Tip-off is slated for 5 p.m. (CST).  Remember, if for some reason you cannot attend the game; please join Curt Caden as he will be broadcasting live via the Builder Sports Radio Network.  To listen to this feed, click on the listen live button on the right side of the athletics home page at www.buildersports.com.

As part of a nationwide effort in support of the United Nations Foundation's Nothing But Nets campaign, Southwestern College will be taking donations at a basketball game to raise funds to send life-saving anti-malarial bed nets to Africa.  The event will take place at Southwestern's men's and women's games against Friends University on Thursday, Feb. 2, at 6 and 8 p.m. inside Stewart Field House.
             
Long-lasting insecticide-treated bed nets are one of the most cost-effective methods of preventing malaria, a leading killer of African children. They create a protective barrier against mosquitoes at night, when the vast majority of malaria transmissions occur.  One bed net can protect a family of four, and lasts up to five years.  It costs just $10 to purchase, deliver, and educate the recipient on its proper use.  Fans paying for a $10 net will also be admitted free into the games.  The United Methodist Foundation will match each $10 gift that is donated.
          
"We have already saved hundreds of thousands of lives," says Dick Wilke, bishop in residence at Southwestern College.  "Our goal is to stamp out malaria.  Each net will save a person's life."

Nothing But Nets is a global, grassroots campaign. Inspired by sports columnist Rick Reilly, hundreds of thousands of people have joined the campaign that was created by the United Nations Foundation in 2006. Campaign partners include the National Basketball Association's NBA Cares, the United Methodist Church, and Major League Soccer's MLS W.O.R.K.S. 

For more information go to www.NothingButNets.net.