Nov. 18, 2008

Box Score

Southwestern University ousted #10 University of Mary Hardin-Baylor in their season opener at Southwestern on Tuesday night, winning 75-68.

A crowded stadium greeted the Pirates at the start of the game with fans anxious to see what Southwestern would bring to the court this season.  The Pirates gave them more than enough to cheer about as they quickly enticed the crowd into the game. 

The first half was a back and forth battle with five lead changes in the half and the Crusaders posting the largest lead of 6 points late in the half.  Sophomore Nick Caputo came off the bench to provide a needed spark for the Pirates and drained 4-6 three pointers, one with 43 seconds left in the half to send Southwestern into the locker room only down three.

Southwestern came out of the break a little slow, allowing UMHB to score the first 5 points of the second half, putting them up by 8.  Feeling a sense of urgency, the Pirates put together a 24-5 run to go up by 11 (50-39) half way through the second half and the Pirates never looked back.  The closest UMHB would pull would be within 3 points at 6:34, but another 6 point run by Southwestern would keep the attack at bay.

Southwestern was led by Caputo who finished with 24 points on 8-17 shooting (7-11 from 3-point).  Juniors Travis Barber and Zach Bergstrom chipped in 18 and 15 respectively in the win.  Barber also notched 8 rebounds while Junior Anthony Cox dished out 6 assists in the contest.

The win starts the Pirates 1-0 and looking forward to their next contest at the Trinity/Southwestern Classic in San Antonio, Texas. SU will battle another top ten squad in #6 Wisconsin-Stevens Point on Friday, November 21 at 5:00 p.m.