GEORGETOWN, Texas - Southwestern outscored the University of Dallas 44-27 in the second half Saturday night to earn their first win of the season, 63-52.

SU was patient offensively but applied great pressure on the defensive end but UD got hot from deep and drained two quick threes to put the Pirates down by four, 10-6, seven minutes into the game.

Southwestern's aggressive defense quickly put the Crusaders in the bonus with just under 10 minutes to play but it was SU that was able to take advantage from the free throw line as they made four quick free throws to pull within five, 15-10, after trailing by nine.

Michael Cantu started off a Pirate run with a drive down the middle of the lane and Travis Kurtz capped off the run with a three pointer to pull SU within three, 22-19 with 1:36 to play in the half. Dallas responded with a three of their own from Joe Stephens and sent the game into the break with SU trailing by six, 25-19.

Southwestern came out of halftime with new life, starting on a 10-3 by scoring in transition and forcing the Crusaders into deep perimeter shots and took the lead, 29-28 four minutes into the frame.

The Pirates held strong and methodically pressed on with great shot selection to post their largest lead of the game yet, 11 points 50-39 with six minutes to go.

It was a free throw battle down the last five minutes of the game as each team entered the double bonus. Southwestern destroyed the Crusaders from the free throw line going 15-21 from the charity stripe while UD was just 9-14.  

Michael Cantu led the way for Southwestern with 16 points as SU shot 37% from the floor. Logan Hurley added in 11 points. Three Pirates, James Davenport, Travis Kurtz and Cantu all pulled down seven boards to lead the team. Tanner Bruffey led in both categories for UD with 17 points and 13 rebounds.

Southwestern hits the road again as they head to San Antonio next week for three games at the Trinity Classic.