GEORGETOWN, Texas - With nine-tenths of a second left on the clock the Pirates trailed by one 71-70. SU had the ball out of bounds underneath their own hoop and ran a perfectly executed out of bounds play but couldn't get the ball to drop as Southwestern fell to McMurry University Tuesday afternoon.
Southwestern took a nine point lead into the locker room, 39-30, thanks in large part to the offensive dominance of Zach Whitlock who posted 16 points on 8-12 shooting from the field. Overall, SU shot 50% from the floor in the half while holding McM to 39.3%.
McMurry opened the second half on a run and erased the Pirates lead, 46-46, just five minutes into the frame. Ryan Ogden's three kicked off another run, allowing the Pirates to push their lead back to eight, 54-46 with 13 minutes remaining.
The War Hawks hung close and tied the contest once again, 64-64 with 2:36 left to play. Connor Kim sank two free throws 20 seconds later to give SU a two point lead, but McMurry's Aaron Gettys' jumper with 25 ticks left tied the game 66-66.
Southwestern turned the ball over on the ensuing possession, giving the War Hawks a shot at the win in regulation, but Whitlock blocked the three point attempt to force overtime.
McM made the first two field goals of overtime and led by three, 71-68 with just 1:24 to play. Whitlock sank two free throws, pulling Southwestern within one with a minute remaining.
The Pirates were forced to foul but McMurry was unable to take advantage as they missed four free throws down the stretch.
Southwestern brought the ball down the court with seven seconds remaining and drove the lane hard, but Chris Molina's layup was blocked out of bounds with under a second to go, setting up the final play.
MCM was able to seize the win despite abysmal free throw shooting, going 16-35 from the line for 45.7%.
Whitlock led all scorers with 22 points and had a game-high 14 rebounds. Ryan Ogden added 16 points and Connor Kim 13.
Southwestern forced McMurry into 24 turnovers while committing 18 but were -2, 52-50, in rebounding margin.
The Pirates (4-6) return to play after the new year, facing Kenyon College on January 2nd at 3 pm at home.
