CEDAR RAPIDS – No. 2 Kirkwood jumped out to a 26-8 lead 8:59 into the first quarter on their way to a 96-63 victory.
The Eagles defeated the Spartans 78-55 in December.
Kirkwood shot 80% from the field in the first quarter.
Southwestern was narrowly edged in second quarter scoring, 22-21, to go into the locker room trailing 51-33.
National athlete of the week Alyssa Morris had another impressive outing with a game high 24 points.
“That honor is tremendous for her,” Austin said. “The work she’s been putting in for us all year by being a consistent presence on the floor. I believe in 13 of the games we’ve had, she’s had a double-double in those.”
Hannah Smith had 14 points in the game.
Kirkwood opened the third quarter with a 19-6 run over the opening eight minutes of the third quarter and in the fourth quarter the Eagles narrowly edged SWCC with a 21-20 margin.
Southwestern plays at No. 20 Iowa Central Community College on Tuesday.
“Iowa Central, I’ve always enjoyed going there,” Austin said. “I like their environment, what they bring, a big pep band, a lot of the sports come out and are in the stands. That’s college sports. It’s going to be a fun battle.”