BELTON, Texas - The Southwestern men's basketball team just couldn't get the big defensive stop they needed to close the gap as the Pirates fell to the Mary Hardin-Baylor Crusaders 95-81 on Tuesday evening. The loss drops SU to 1-3 on the season while UMHB starts the season 1-0.

The Pirates controlled the majority of the first half, leading by five with 8:51 to go after a lay-up by senior Nick Caputo.  The Crusaders slowly chipped away at the lead and built a five point lead themselves with 5:40 to play in the half. UMHB led by six, 46-40, at the break.

Following halftime Mary Hardin Baylor applied the pressure and pulled ahead by 10, 55-45, three minutes into the final period. A three pointer by sophomore Demetrice Spearman brought Southwestern within seven, 57-50, but UMHB responded with a three of their own to push the lead back to 10.

Southwestern continued to press on and pulled within five, 81-76 after a jumper by first-year Michael Cantu with 3:15 to go, but that is as close as the Pirates could get as the Crusaders made their free throws down the stretch, securing the victory.

Logan Hurley led all scorers with 22 points while Caputo chipped in 20 and Robbie Hanley added 16. Hanley also led with eight rebounds and three steals. Atiee was the team leader with four assists. UMHB's Pele scored 19 points to lead the Crusaders.

As a team Southwestern shot 48.9% from the floor and 47.4% from the three point line in the loss while holding UMHB to 48.3% from the field and 41.7% from long range. The Pirate's free throw shooting was much improved over previous games as they went 26-34 for 76.5% from the line.

The Pirates come home for the first time this seaosn in their next game as they host UW-River Falls on Friday at 3:00 pm.