GEORGETOWN, Texas – Southwestern and the University of Dallas combined to shoot 89 free throws on Saturday night as the Pirates avenged last week's loss with an 83-73 win.
Southwestern started the first half slow but once they got rolling were unstoppable, scoring 20 points in the final 6:18 to lead by ten at halftime, 35-25.
SU was shooting just under 30% in the first 15 minutes, but rebounded to end the half at 34.5% from the floor. The Pirates also capitalized from the free throw line, getting 10 points from the charity stripe in the opening frame. Sean Myers led with a tough first half, posting 11 points off the bench while Daniel Mataya led in rebounds with five boards.
The free throw line became the difference maker as both teams entered the bonus just six minutes into the second half. The Pirates had pushed their lead to 17, 50-33, with 14:41 to go.
Every time the Crusaders seemed to get a run going the Pirates always had the answer to stymie the run, keeping SU's double-digit lead intact.
At the five minute mark Southwestern still led by 15, 70-55, and played extremely smart offensively, taking the easy baskets given to them. Things began to unravel for SU as they struggled from the free throw line while UD continued to drain theirs, closing the gap ever so slowly.
A crucial turnover under UD's basket led to a three by Ross Davidson, cutting SU's with two and a half minutes remaining. UD inched closer with two free throws by Kym Malone, 74-67, and the Crusaders immediately got another chance to cut into the lead further with a Pirate turnover on the inbounds pass.
Ultimately, the Pirates took care of business to seal the win, securing rebounds defensively and hitting five of eight from the charity stripe in the final 32 seconds.
Myers and Michael Cantu had 19 points each in the win while Eric Garza added 14 and Chris Lee 10. Davidson posted 16 points to lead UD offensively.
Southwestern forced 15 turnovers and committed just 9 and were nearly even in rebounds 39-36. SU shot 34.5% from the floor but an impressive 52.2% from three point range while holding UD to 37.5% from the floor and 26.1% from beyond the arc.
The Pirates improve to 6-13 on the year and 3-6 in the SCAC while Dallas falls to 9-10 and 3-6. SU hits the road to face Austin College on Friday night as they continue SCAC play.
