SHERMAN, Texas – The Southwestern University football team used a staunch second-half defensive effort to upend Austin College, 35-28, on Saturday at Jerry E. Apple Stadium.

The Pirates (2-3) broke a 21-21 tie with two scores in the third quarter, including a defensive touchdown. The Kangaroos (3-2) were able to muster a fourth-quarter score, but the rally fell short as Southwestern held on to the ball for the final three minutes of the contest.

Justin Broussard led the defensive charge for the Pirates with nine tackles, including three for loss, two sacks and a forced fumble. Zach Cole added seven stops and scooped up two fumbles, including one in the third quarter that he ran back six yards for a touchdown.

Kyle Perlowski came off the bench to record five tackles and two sacks. He also forced a fumble.

Southwestern also picked off two passes in the second half. Tyler Frisby and Jaret Tolbert both hauled in interceptions.

The Pirates' offensive effort included a time of possession of 35:57.

Bryan Hicks completed 22-of-29 passes for 205 yards and a pair of touchdowns. Hicks distributed the ball to seven different receivers.

Micah Sherman caught seven passes for 50 yards, while Matt Gillen pulled down six catches for 70 yards and a score. Hicks also connected with Kenneth Wynn Jr. four times for 42 yards and one touchdown.

Southwestern started the scoring on its opening drive. Markell Henderson capped a 12-play, 70-yard opening drive with a six-yard rush around the right side for a score.

After Austin College scored twice to take a 14-7 lead, Nik Kelly returned a punt 52 yards to the end zone to help the Pirates pull even early in the second quarter.

The 'Roos stalled on their next drive, but SU capitalized and Hicks found Gillen for a 26-yard touchdown.

However, Austin College answered quickly with a two-play, 73-yard drive to tie the score at 21-all.

The Pirates' defense took over in the third quarter, limiting the 'Roos to only 27 yards.

With 6:29 left in the third, Broussard brought down Austin College quarterback Cooper Woodyard, who fumbled the ball. Cole jumped on top of it and gave Southwestern possession at the 'Roos' seven-yard line. On third down, Hicks escaped as the pocket collapsed and he found Wynn Jr. in the corner of the end zone for a five-yard score, giving the Pirates a lead for good.

After both teams saw their next drives stall, SU forced another fumble and Cole scooped it up and ran it into the end zone to increase the lead to 35-21.

Neither team was able to score in the first 12 minutes of the fourth quarter. However, Austin College was able to cap an 84-yard drive with a 20-yard passing touchdown with 3:39 to play.

The Pirates then held on to the ball for the final three-plus minutes by picking up a pair of first downs on the ground.

Southwestern will again be on the road next Saturday, as the squad travels to Goodwell, Okla., to face Oklahoma Panhandle State. Kickoff is slated for 1 p.m.

POSTGAME NOTES
• Southwestern snaps four-game losing streak to Austin College and notches first win over the 'Roos since Nov. 4, 1950.
• The victory also was the Pirates' first against Austin College in Sherman since Oct. 29, 1942.
• Nik Kelly returned a second-quarter punt 52 yards for a touchdown. It marked Southwestern's first punt return touchdown since Oct. 2, 1948, when Leroy Atkinson returned a punt 73 yards for a score against Daniel Baker College.
• Justin Broussard posted two sacks on Saturday, increasing his team-leading total to five. The junior defensive end has amassed 17 sacks in his career.
• Markell Henderson's six-yard touchdown was the first of his career.
• Matt Gillen surpassed a career high with his fourth touchdown reception of the season. The Coppell native has logged nine career touchdown receptions.
• Kenneth Wynn Jr.'s five-yard touchdown catch in the third quarter was his second score of the season and third of his career.
• AJ Daniels punted for the first time in his career on Saturday. The Benbrook product placed three of his four punts inside the 20-yard line, including two inside the 10.

– SOUTHWESTERN –