SEGUIN, Texas - The Pirate men made it two in a row with a 73-71 win over Texas Lutheran University on Wednesday night in non-conference play.
It was a game of small runs in the first half as the lead changed hands eight times in the opening frame. Southwestern shot 50% from the floor and 44.4% from three point range in the first half while holding TLU to 36.4% from the field and 14.3% from three point range to take a five point lead, 39-34 into the break.
The Bulldogs quickly pulled within one point, scoring on their first two possessions of the first half. Southwestern never trailed in the second half, but Texas Lutheran evened the score twice midway through the frame. The Pirates quickly responsed with a seven point run to lead 57-50 with 8:34 to play.
Southwestern had their largest lead of the game, 12 points 63-51, with 5:49 remaining after back to back layups by Sean Myers and Blake Scott. Texas Lutheran refused to go quietly and steadily chipped away at SU's lead and got within striking distance, 69-67 with 2:10 on the clock after Joseph Richardson converted on his layup and foul shot.
The Pirates' defense took over as they forced the Bulldogs into tough shots and turnovers including a crucial turnover with TLU having possession under their basket with one second to play and down by two,, 73-71. Southwestern inbounded the ball and ran out the clock to secure the win.
Myers led all scorers with 17 points on 7-10 shooting from the field and 3-4 from the charity stripe. Scott and Chase Kocher added in 15 points each while Michael Cantu posted 11 points. Southwestern ended the night shooting an outstanding 56.5% from the floor while holding TLU to 37.9% on their home court.
SU improves to 2-1 on the year and come home for the first time this season on Friday night as they host Incarnate Word at 7:30 pm.