BELTON, Texas – The Southwestern University Pirates men's basketball team surrendered a big first half to the Mary Hardin-Baylor Crusaders, losing 107-80.
The Crusaders got off to a scorching start with a combined 21 first-half points from Brian Long (10 points) and Sam Moore (11 points). Mary Hardin-Baylor hit 62.9 percent from the field in the half; including 8-for-13 from deep to take a 65-38 lead into halftime.
Southwestern University regained its footing in the second half, battling the Crusaders to a draw with each team scoring 42 points.
Three Pirates scored in double figures, led by Joel Martinez's 17 points on 5-for-7 shooting. Brandon Alexander shot 2-for-6 from deep and scored 15 points with eight rebounds. Luke Hicks hit three 3-pointers in five attempts and scored 11 points.
The Pirates were outrebounded 43-32 and outscored 42-27 in bench points.
Five Crusaders scored in double figures, led by Moore's 22 points and seven rebounds. Brian Long had 14 points, Lakendric Hyson had 13, Demarius Cress had 11, and Byrale Carter scored 16 points off the bench.
With the loss, the Pirates drop to 3-2. They'll host McMurry University on Monday, Nov. 26 at 7:00 p.m.