GEORGETOWN, Texas - Demetrice Spearman's (pictured) three-pointer with 30 seconds left on the clock lifted the Pirates to a 60-59 victory over Hardin-Simmons on Friday night in day one of the Southwestern/Trinity Holiday Classic. With the win SU improves to 4-5 on the year while HSU falls to 5-4.

Hardin Simmons jumped out to an early 7-0 lead in the opening two and a half minutes of the game before Southwestern got back into the contest. A three-pointer by senior Nick Caputo started things off and a lay-up by junior Logan Hurley combined with a Nicholas Atiee free throw to give the Pirates an 8-7 lead with 12 minutes to go in the half.

The teams traded baskets until Hardin Simmons went on a small run to build a five point lead, 24-19, with 3:46 remaining in the half. SU came storming back to take a one point lead, 28-27, after a lay-up by James Davenport with one minute to play. The Cowboys closed the half with a 5-0 run to take a 32-28 lead into the break.

As the second half got underway Hardin Simmons continued to remain just out of the Pirates reach until SU finally took control, 47-46, on a pair of free throws my Michael Cantu with eight minutes to play.

Both teams went cold from the free throw line as the score remained tied at 52-52. Jonathan Brown's free throw broke the tie and Cantu added two more to give SU a 55-52 lead with under four minutes to play.

HSU's Jefferson stole the ball out top and went in for the dunk to tie the game once again, 56-56 with 2:01 on the clock.

The Cowboys pulled ahead again from the free throw line, going up by two 59-57 with 58 seconds remaining. Southwestern wasn't able to convert on their free throw attempts,  but got another shot to tie after an HSU travelling call on the rebound.

After a Southwestern timeout to set up the out of bounds play Hardin Simmons got a touch on the inbounds pass. Brown saved the ball and while falling out of bounds found Demetrice Spearman open in the corner. Spearman's three point shot found the bottom of the net giving SU the 60-59 lead.

Hardin Simmons came streaking down the court, pulled the ball out front and dribbled the clock down to eight seconds. Jim Walter dribbled into the lane, pulled up and his jumper rimmed out. Rhett Rowan secured the rebound as time expired giving the Pirates the win.

Hurley led all scorers with 19 points on 7-10 shooting, 5-7 from the free throw line, and was the lone Pirate in double figures. Southwestern outrebounded HSU 47-41, led by Robbie Hanley's 10 boards. Riddle and Booker had 15 points each to lead Hardin Simmons.

Southwestern closes the Southwestern/Trinity Classic on Saturday as they face Albion at 4:00 pm. Albion fell to Trinity 60-54 in earlier action.