GEORGETOWN, Texas – Southwestern shot just 54.5% from the free throw line as they lost 59-67 to Birmingham-Southern in a clash of the SCAC titans. The Pirates fall to 14-6 overall and 7-4 in the SCAC and out of first place momentarily to Austin College who has yet to play their second game of the weekend. Birmingham Southern remains at the top of the East with an 8-3 conference record and 16-3 overall.

The first half began well-balanced with both teams scoring in transition and hanging close through the opening three minutes, but the Pirates kicked the door open with a 7-0 run over three minutes to go up by seven, 13-6, with 16:42 to go in the half.

Southwestern hit a scoring skid as the Panthers came within two points, 21-19, but Cox’s three-pointer as time ran out in the first half gave Southwestern their largest lead of the half, 10 points, and they headed into the break up 35-25.

After halftime Birmingham-Southern held SU to just two field goals in the first five minutes to bring the game even for just the second time at 39-39 with 14:45 remaining. The Pirates retained the lead until a pair of threes by Hart Ahumada gave the Panthers their first lead since the opening minutes.

After junior Nick Caputo’s free throw tied the game for the fourth time at 53-53, Southwestern hit a cold spell and BSC went on a 9-0 over the next two and a half minutes to pull ahead by nine, 53-62, with 2:51 to play. Southwestern returned the favor by going on a 6-0 run, thanks to missed free throws by the Panthers, and pulled within three points 59-62 with 1:49 left on the clock.

SU’s good fortune ran out, however, as Birmingham-Southern made five of their last six from the charity stripe to close out the game.

Southwestern was led by junior Nick Caputo who had a game high 21 points in the loss. Junior Jonathan Brown chipped in 12 points and led the team with 7 rebounds. BSC had a balanced attack with just two players in double figures, Jasen Jonus with 12 and Aaron Parr with 10. The Pirates did out-rebound the Panthers 32-29 but committed five more turnovers, 15-10.

SU continues their homestand next weekend as they play host to Millsaps on Friday night and Hendrix on Saturday. Both games are slated to begin at 8:00 pm following women’s SCAC action.