IRVING, Texas - Despite shooting 48% from the floor and holding the University of Dallas to 36.8% the Southwestern Pirates dropped their season opener 74-72.

The Pirates had the Crusaders down by as many as 19 points but UD chipped away at the deficit and took their first lead of the game, 70-69, late in the contest. SU pulled ahead on their next possession but were unable to get the stop they needed defensively as Dallas went back on top 72-71.

Southwestern was fouled on the return trip but were only able to convert on one of two from the line to put the count at 74-72. After a big defensive stop the Pirates had one last look at the basket but the buzzer beater bounced out, handing their Pirates their first loss.

Senior Nick Caputo led the way for Southwestern with 21 points on 6-17 shooting, 3-11 from behind the arc and 6-7 from the line. He was also the leading rebounder, pulling down eight boards on the night.

Junior Logan Hurley (pictured) played well in his first start for the Pirates, scoring 18 points on 7-10 from the field and 4-5 from the free throw line. First-year Michael Cantu added in 10 points. UD's Braeton Hightower led all scorers with 28 points.

The Pirates achilles heal was their free throw shooting as a team. They shot just 57.6% from the line, 19-33, during the game.

Southwestern starts out 0-1 on the year and returns to the court on Friday at Concordia University at 7:00 pm.