Southwestern won a last second thriller at Rhodes College on Friday night, 80-78 thanks to a last second lay-up by Anthony Cox. The win improves the Pirates to 10-5 overall and 2-4 in SCAC play.
A fast paced first half saw Rhodes up 15-10 after 8 minutes of play but a Pirate 8-0 run placed the Lynx down 3 at the midway point in the half. Southwestern pushed the lead to 11 with 5 minutes to go in the first, but a Rhodes steal and layup sparked a 7-0 Lynx run, pulling the home team to within two points with just under 3 minutes left in the first. A jumpshot by Rhodes' Rob Bledsoe tied the game at 32 apiece, but sophomore guard Nick Caputo drained a three on the next possession and sent SU into halftime with a 3 point lead, 37-34.
The second half continued to be fast paced and exciting with Southwestern building a 7 point lead after five minutes of play in the final stanza. The Pirates stretched the lead to twelve points, 61-49, with 11 and a half minutes to play but the Lynx slowly chipped away at the lead. A Lynx transition three pointer tied the score at 71 apiece with just under five minutes to play in the game. After exchanging free throws, a layup gave Rhodes gave a two point lead with two minutes remaining.
The two teams traded baskets and the lead over the final two minutes, setting up the thrilling finish. Two free throws by junior guard Anthony Cox gave the Pirates a slim two point advantage with under thirty seconds left to play. The Lynx's Nate Ollie was fouled in the act of shooting with ten seconds to go and knocked down both free throws, bringing the game back even at 78. Cox raced down the floor and hit a soft floater with two seconds left on the clock, lifting the Pirates to victory. The Lynx had an opportunity on its last possession, but failed to get a shot off.
Anthony Cox not only made the game winning basket, but he also led the Pirates on the night in points (19), assists (6) and steals (4). Sophomore forward Jonathan Brown had a strong night scoring 16 points on 8-12 shooting. Junior guards Travis Barber and Zach Bergstrom followed with 12 points and 10 points respectively. Bergstrom led the Pirates in rebounds with 7.
Southwestern will be back in action Saturday night as they take on Birmingham-Southern. Tip-off is slated for 6:00 p.m.
