Zack Whitlock posted a career-high 16 points and 15 rebounds in a 55-53 win over Texas Lutheran on Monday.
A back-and-forth contest in the first five minutes gave way to a Bulldog run as TLU stretched their lead to ten, 26-16, after a Michael Davis three with nine minutes remaining in the first half.
Southwestern took over and closed the half on a 12-6 run and trailed by six, 34-28, at the break.
Zack Whitlock was a huge catalyst for the Pirates as he was all over the boards in the first half with seven rebounds and also led with eight points.
TLU shot 53.7% from three point range in the first half, making 7 of 13, while SU was held to 18.2% (2-11).
A new tempo entered with the new half as both teams took to the track.
With ten minutes remaining, TLU still had a nine-point advantage, but the Bulldogs went cold just as the Pirates heated up. Texas Lutheran was held to zero field goals in the final ten minutes and just three points, all from the free throw line as Southwestern charged ahead. Both teams were abysmal from the free throw line, but Southwestern made just enough late in the half to squeak out the win, including two from Adrian Johnson.
Whitlock was huge all-around on the night, scoring the go-ahead layup with 43 seconds remaining. His 16 points and 15 rebounds were game highs and Chris Lee added in 12 points. Ryan Odgen posted seven boards off the bench for the Pirates. TLU was led by Garrett Wilkins with 11 points.
Southwestern shot 36.2% from the floor, 15.8% from three point range and 50% from the free throw line but held Texas Lutheran to 32.1% from the floor, 47.4% from three point range and 53.3% from the free throw line. SU posted a +6 rebounding margin in the win and had five blocks with just 12 turnovers.
Now 1-1 on the season, Southwestern takes a break from action for the holidays before hitting the court again on December 1st at Mary Hardin-Baylor in Belton, Texas at 7pm.
