Junior guard Anthony Cox scored all 13 of his points in the final 3:35 of the game to help lift the Pirates past a scrappy Lakeland College team, 55-51. Despite shooting just 34 percent from the field and 18 percent from behind the arc, Southwestern University found a way to emerge victorious.
The Pirates started the game hot on a 5-0 run for the first two minutes, but then went 6 minutes until scoring their next basket. Lakeland was able to close the gap and eventually went up by 3 on a Jake Schwarz jumper with 11 minutes to play in the half. Southwestern and Lakeland would trade points for the remainder of the half sending Lakeland into the locker room up by 3.
The second half continued as the first ended with points being scored on both sides equally. As the time ticked by, the intensity and physicality increased, as did the cold shooting on both ends. After the fifth tie of the game, Southwestern's junior guard Zach Bergstrom drained a three to give the Pirates the lead for the first time in the half with 6:53 remaining and they would never look back.
Cox's play down the stretch and the Pirates' tenacious defense sealed the game for Southwestern. Cox scored 13 of the last 16 points, including going a perfect 6-6 from the free-throw line. The Pirates held the Muskies at bay, forcing Lakeland into 17 turnovers and just 28.8 percent (15-52) from the field and 0 percent (0-10) from behind the arc.
Southwestern was led in points by Cox and Bergstrom who both had 13 on the night. Cox also recorded 3 assists and committed 0 turnovers in the contest. Senior forward Andrew McDonald posted a strong all-around game with 8 points, 7 rebounds and 5 blocks.
Southwestern improves to 6-3 overall as they leave for winter break. They will return to action with another home game on Monday, December 29th at 3:00 p.m. against SUNY Institute of Technology.
