GEORGETOWN, Texas – Southwestern closed out the regular season with a 64-55 win over UC Santa Cruz on Saturday.

Both teams were slow to start the game as Michael Cantu broke the stalemate three minutes in from the free throw line. The Pirates' compensated for their lack of offense with tough defense, holding UC Santa Cruz to 20% from the floor in the first 15 minutes. The Banana Slugs led briefly 18-16 with 3:35 to go in the half, but the Pirates closed out the frame on an 11-3 run to lead 27-19 at halftime.

Southwestern had the answer for every challenge posed by UCSC the entirety of the second half. Each time the Banana Slugs made a run, SU pushed back and extended their lead near double digits until arriving at the final.

Cantu led the offensive charge with 16 points while Sean Myers added 12 points and Chase Kocher 10. The Pirates shot 42.9% from the floor and 35% from three point range in the win while holding UCSC to 30.5% and 16.7% from long range.

SU also won the rebounding battle 40-34 and was led by Myers' nine boards.

A tear-filled and heartfelt thank you to the six seniors that played their final game at home tonight, Michael Cantu, Sean Myers, Kenneth Brooks, Chase Kocher, Josh Tates and Daniel Mataya.

Southwestern enters the SCAC Conference Tournament this weekend as the number seven seed after finishing the year at 8-17 overall, 4-10 in the SCAC. They face #2 seed Centenary in the first round of the conference tournament on Friday in San Antonio at 5 p.m.