GEORGETOWN, Texas - Southwestern scored four more points from the free throw line to defeat Schreiner University at home on Tuesday night 75-69.
Southwestern opened the game well on the defensive end, forcing six turnovers through the first 11 minutes of the game. Offensively, it was Travis Kurtz who came out hot, scoring eight of the first 13 points for SU before having to sit due to foul trouble.
Schreiner managed to hang close with their three-point shooting in the opening 11 minutes, starting 4-5 from long range. The Pirates took a slight two point lead, 31-29, into the locker room.
After trading baskets to start the second half, Schreiner took their first lead of the game, 34-33, after a three by Grant Clark from the top of the key.
Points from the free throw line became a huge source of offense for the Pirates as SU entered the bonus with 15 minutes still remaining in the game.
Southwestern's confidence extended to the field as they began to rack up points from the free throw, rattling off jumper after jumper to extend their lead to four, 58-62, with four minutes to play. Schreiner hung tight with free throws of their own and layups in transition to keep the game close.
A big three pointer by Kurtz with the shot clock winding down gave Southwestern a five point lead, but the Mountaineers pulled back within three, 67-64, from the free throw line on the next possession.
Chase Kocher's defensive rebound gave the Pirates the ball as the clock ticked under a minute and Kurtz nailed two free throws to extend their lead to five, 69-64. A three by John Whitty kept Schreiner close but Michael Cantu hit two free throws to push the lead back to four, 71-67.
Southwestern played great defense on the other end of the court, forcing the Mountaineers into a long, off-balance three pointer, and Cantu secured the rebound before being fouled. The Pirates closed out the game from the free line, securing the 75-69 win.
Southwestern got 23 points from the charity stripe in the second half, shooting 77.8% from the line for the game while Schreiner shot 72.7% and scoring 18 in the same frame. SU held Schreiner to 38% from the field and 29.2% from three point range while shooting slightly better at 41.2% from the floor and 31.3% from long range.
Kurtz led all scorers with 16 points while Cantu added 12 and Sean Myers 10. Schreiner's Grant Clark was the only Mountaineer in double figures with 10 points.
Southwestern improves to 2-5 on the year while Schreiner falls to 3-3. SU returns to action on December 17th as they host the Southwestern Holiday Classic, facing SUNYIT at 7 p.m.
