JACKSON, Miss. – Southwestern University’s men’s basketball team was out-rebounded by 14, 40-26, and attempted six fewer free throws than the Major’s made as the Pirates fell 69-59 to Millsaps College on Friday evening.

The Majors took control of the game early, never allowing the Pirates in front as they mounted a nine point lead over Southwestern, 34-25, heading into halftime.

SU chipped away at the lead at the beginning of the second half, pulling with two points 37-35 on a four-point play by junior Nick Caputo with 17:20 remaining. A scoring drought once again plagued the Pirates as they went scoreless over then next three minutes, allowing Millsaps to mount a seven point lead 42-35 with 14 minutes to go.

Southwestern was able to pull with two points at two different times in the remaining 14 minutes, but were never able to close in further or take the lead. The Majors made enough of their free throws down the stretch and came away with crucial defense rebounds to hold off the Pirate attack and take the 69-59 win.

SU was just 39.3% from the floor and an uncharacteristic 14.3% from beyond the arc in the loss. Senior Travis Barber led with 16 points. Caputo chipped in 13 while senior Zach Bergstrom and junior Jonathan Brown added 12 points and 10 points respectively.

The Pirates fall to 9-4 on the year and 2-2 in the SCAC while Millsaps improves to 4-7 overall and 1-3 in conference action.

Southwestern remains on the road as they head to Hendrix College on Sunday afternoon. Tip-off is set for 3:00 pm following the women’s game.