GEORGETOWN, Texas - Southwestern scored 15 points in the final five minutes of action but their comeback ran out of time as they fell 60-54 to Trinity on Saturday afternoon.
With patience on offense the Pirates took a two point lead, 15-13 with 8 minutes to go in the first half. Despite not attempting a single free throw in the first half and the Tigers being awarded eight, SU trailed by just two, 28-26, at the break and were sent into the locker room on a high note after a monster block by James Davenport.
Trinity shot 45.5% from the field and 42.9% from three point range, but the Pirates forced TU into eight first half turnovers and converted them into nine points. Logan Hurley paced Southwestern in the first half with 11 points.
Trinity scored the first points of the second half, but a pair of jumpers by Demetrice Spearman tied the game 30-30 one minute into the half. Robert Kitzinger had the answer and hit back to back threes to put the Tigers up by six, 36-30 with 16:26 to play.
Chase Kocher's runner brought SU within six, 45-39 with just over eight minutes to go. The height differential on the court allowed the Tigers to pull down offensive rebounds, getting second and third shots on trips and pushed their lead to 10, 50-40 with four to play.
Hurley's three pointer on a kickout from James Davenport pulled Southwestern within seven, 50-43, with 2:39 remaining. After a timeout Davenport, stole the ball and assisted on Michael Cantu's layup to bring the Pirates even closer, 50-45, with 1:45 to play.
With chants of defense the Pirates made a big stop, forcing a running jumper and Davenport pulled down the board but was tied up in the process, giving Trinity the ball back with a five point lead and 1:11 on the clock.
In trying to foul Southwestern forced a turnover and Cantu was fouled on the layup, getting one of two to fall. SU was forced to foul and the Tigers took advantage making 8-8 in the final minute to hold off the Pirate's run to the end.
Hurley led with 16 points while Spearman added in 14. Zach Lambert led Trinity with 20 points and 10 rebounds. SU committed just seven turnovers for the game while forcing the Tigers into 16. TU was nearly 50% from long range for the game and 39.1% from the floor while the Pirates shot 35.6% from the field and 34.8% from long range.
Southwestern remains at home to face Colorado College on Friday night before hosting Hendrix on Saturday.
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