Southwestern led late in the game but were ultimately defeated from the free throw line 72-68 by Centenary College on Saturday.
Southwestern started sloppy offensively, but Ryan Ogden's three threes broke the seal and gave the Pirates the lead 9-6 five minutes in. The lead didn't last long, however, and the Gents took a one point lead, 37-36 into the locker room.
Ogden led with 12 points and seven boards for the Pirates as SU shot 44.8% from the floor while Centenary posted 52.9% from the field.
With the first possession of the second half the Pirates took the lead back on a well-executed set play. After four lead changes and two ties over the next seven minutes, SU finally got a little breathing room and led by six, 53-47, with ten minutes to play.
The Gents evened the game once again, largely from the free throw line, and took the lead on an and-one play by James Sapp with five minutes remaining. Southwestern wasn't able to take advantage of the open looks they were given and fell 70-65.
Ogden led the Pirates with his first career double-double, 19 points and 12 rebounds. Sapps led all scorers with 32 points for the Gents. Zach Whitlock added in 12 points on 6-8 shooting from the floor.
SU shot 46% from the floor and three point range in the loss while Centenary went 44% from the field and 18.8% from three point range.
The real difference maker came in turnovers where the Pirates committed twice as many, 16-8, and shot 21 fewer free throws. SU got just five points from the charity stripe while 19 of the Gents' points were scored there.
Southwestern, now 6-6 on the year and 1-2 in conference play, hits the road for the first time in conference play to face conference-rival Trinity on Friday night in San Antonio. Game time is set for 8 p.m.