HUNTSVILLE, Texas – The Southwestern University Pirates men's basketball team competed in an exhibition game against the NCAA Division I Sam Houston State Bearkats, losing 94-56.

Forward Andrew Puhl led the Pirates in scoring with nine points in 22 minutes, hitting 4-for-10 from the field and 1-for-6 from deep. Southwestern struggled against the Bearkat's defense, hitting just 28.8 percent and committing 21 turnovers.

Both teams started cold, taking nearly three minutes before Sam Houston State scored the first basket. The Bearkats worked the glass and transition in the first half to create early separation, pulling down 13 offensive rebounds and forcing 12 turnovers, including eight steals to help spur a 14-4 edge in fast-break points.

Freshman guard Kyle Poerschke was a spark off the bench for the Pirates, scoring all eight of his points in five minutes in the first half, hitting 2-for-4 from the field and 3-for-4 from the free-throw line. Ryan Wheeler also had eight points and a team-high three assists.

Six different Sam Houston State players finished in double figures, led by Zach Nutall's 15 points and three steals. Albert Almanza had 11 points and nine rebounds with three steals and two blocks. Kai Mitchell had 10 rebounds (including six offensive rebounds) as Sam Houston State outrebounded Southwestern 57-30, outscoring the Pirates 24-2 in second-chance points.

The Pirates will open their season at home on Monday, Nov. 12 against the University of Texas-Dallas Comets at 7:00 p.m.