GEORGETOWN, Texas – Southwestern shot just 45.8% from the free throw line while the Crusaders shot 86.1% as the Pirates fell 78-74 to the University of Dallas in overtime on Sunday afternoon. The loss drops Southwestern to 2-5 on the year while UD improves to 2-6.
In the first half Southwestern eventually took control, pulling ahead by ten points and seemed to have things handled but the University of Dallas was able to stay in the contest from the free throw line as they went 16-17 including 11-12 from UD's Noah Pettit.
SU did manage to take a four point lead, 42-38, into halftime thanks in large part to 18 points from senior Nick Caputo who was 6-10 from the field and 5-7 from three point range in the opening frame.
The Pirates seemed to control the second half as well but a pesky Crusader team continued to hang around and pulled even 64-64 with 1:43 remaining. It was the only time Southwestern did not lead in the period. Neither team was able to score the game winning bucket despite some good looks at the hoop, forcing overtime.
Southwestern once again regained the lead as overtime got underway, going up by four, 68-64 after jumpers by Caputo and Logan Hurley. UD was able to tie the game up and the lead changed hands two more times before the Crusaders took control, 74-72 on a layup by Matt Kewell.
Robbie Hanley's three pointer from the wing on the ensuing possession rimmed out giving Dallas the ball back and forced the Pirates to foul. The Crusaders made their free throws count as they went 4-6 down the stretch to close out the game.
The Pirates played well defensively, holding UD to 36.4% from the floor and 28% from long range while shooting 42.4% from the field and 25.9% from three. Southwestern won the turnover battle committing six fewer turnovers, but were out-rebounded 44-36 on the night.
Caputo led Southwestern with 22 points while Hurley added in 16. James Davenport (pictured) had nine rebounds to lead the Pirates. UD's Barrett Brown had 24 points and Pettit had a game high 18 rebounds.
Southwestern will look to rebound with a pair of home games just before the holidays. They play host to Hardin Simmons and Albion at the annual Southwestern/Trinity Classic beginning on Friday at 4:00 pm.
