Despite the long layoff that came over the Thanksgiving holiday, the Lady Bears showed little to no rust whatsoever on the road Thursday as they topped Holmes, 72-28.
 
"We were really focused on tonight and we were very proud of our rebound effort and our unselfishness," Southwest head coach Brent Harris said.
 
From the opening tip, the Lady Bears (5-3) found their offensive game. After Veronica Williams connected on a field goal, the next nine Southwest points came via post players as makes from Bethany Graves, Morgan Sullivan and Michaela Payton helped set the tone.
 
Not long afterward, Williams rejoined the fray knocking down a pair of 3-pointers helping Southwest race out to a 24-13 lead at the end of the first quarter.
 
The smothering defense of the Lady Bears really ramped-up in the second quarter as Holmes was held to three points. On the other end of the floor a balanced scoring attack helped Southwest pull away and take a 43-22 lead at the half.
 
Another 19-point effort in the third coupled with another strong defensive showing helped the Lady Bears stay in front entering the fourth quarter.
 
Down the stretch, Southwest continued to get stellar offensive production before the visitors ran out the clock to preserve the win.
 
Williams and Payton each scored 14 to help lead the Lady Bears. Graves poured in 12 while Kara Beth Addison had 11.
 
The Lady Bears return home on Monday to host South Arkansas CC at 7:30 p.m. on Day 1 of the Papa John's Classic.