SHERMAN, Texas - In a game to get one step closer to the #1 seed in the West at the SCAC conference tournament the Pirate men's basketball team fell to Austin College 76-64 in Sherman Sunday afternoon. Southwestern sits alone in second place in the conference at 16-8 overall and 9-6 in the conference while Austin College moves further ahead in first place at 18-5 on the year and 11-3 in the SCAC.

The first half started out as anticipated with both teams playing tough defense and shooting well from the floor and neither squad was able to pull ahead by many as there were 3 ties and 10 lead changes in the opening period. Austin College finally pulled away by mounting an eight point lead on a three-pointer by Lintelman with just under four minutes to go in the half. The 'Roos would retain the eight point edge heading into the break.

The Pirates came out with a vengance in the second half with three three-pointers and a pair of free throws by sophomore Logan Hurley to pull within two points 45-43 with 12:20 to play. Austin responded with a 13-0 run over the next four minutes and SU was never able to recover as they fell 76-64.

Southwestern made just 19 of their 55 feild goals while AC was 27-66 for the game. Senior Travis Barber led all scorers with 24 points while junior Jonathan Brown added 16. Three 'Roos had 15 points to lead Austin College, Alade, Lintelman and Wade.

The Pirates will close out their season with senior day on February 19th as they play host to conference rival Trinity.