Southwestern University downs Hardin-Simmons with outstanding shooting and strong defensive effort
Southwestern University moved their record out to 3-1 with a win over Hardin-Simmons Tuesday evening in Georgetown. SWU showed they were primed for a solid offensive night as they scored the first five points of the contest before going on to build a 33-24 lead by the 5:46 mark of the first half.
Hardin-Simmons (1-3) stayed close and was able to cut the lead down as the first half clock wound down. With just over two minutes to play in the game Terrence Willis grabbed an offensive rebound and went right back up for a two-point basket and then Antwon Wooten found his way inside for a score leaving the SWU lead at 39-35 with just over two minutes to go in the half.
Southwestern's Ross Hayes was able to draw a foul with just 15 seconds showing on the clock in the first half of play and was able to hit 1-of-2 free throws to put the SWU lead at 42-37 at the half.
"I think in the first half we were a little bit sloppy, we were up by five at the half and really should have been up by a little bit more," said Southwestern head coach Bill Raleigh.
Hardin-Simmons struggled to score in the early going of the second half just as SWU found their offensive rhythm and after a Nick Caputo 3-pointer with just over 15 minutes to play in the game, the SWU lead was all the way out to 55-43.
Hardin-Simmons then heated up as they went on a 20-12 run over the next five minutes as Mark Schlott hit a 3-pointer and converted a couple of free throws to help cut into the SWU lead. Hardin-Simmons had a chance to tie it up midway through the second half but missed fired on their free throw attempt.
Southwestern then went on an 11-2 run as they got several key 3-pointers and solid scoring down low resulting in another double digit lead at 75-65.
"In the second half we wanted to keep attacking," "I thought we could get to the basket against them and we did that," said Raleigh.
Southwestern kept the defensive pressure on and benefited from some HSU turnovers but it was their red hot three-point shooting that allowed them to put the game away down the stretch and take the 91-79 win.
"Our three guards, Bergstrom, Barber, and Cox were the catalyst and then Caputo coming of the bench," said Raleigh. "We scored more points the second half and I think we did a better job defensively the second half."
Southwestern benefited from a balanced scoring attack as Travis Barber was the leading scorer on the night with 23 points, and he also added 9 rebound and 4 steals. Zach Bergstrom went 6-of-11 from the field with a 3-of-4 performance from three point land to go along with 7 rebounds. Nick Caputo and Anthony Cox both contributed 14 points with Cox leading his team in assists on the night with 9.
"We had moments of very good play backed up by some undisciplined bad play but we are getting better and one thing I am excited about is that each game we are doing a little bit more," said Raleigh.
Hardin-Simmons was led in scoring by Rob Yeatts with 19 points; he also led his team in rebound with 9. Mark Schlott contributed 14 points on the night as he shot 5-of - 10 from the field including 4-of-7 from behind the arc.
Southwestern coach Bill Raleigh has his team playing well early in the season and liked what he saw on both ends of the floor. "It's been a great first four games, we have played a couple of nationally ranked teams and the kids are playing with a lot of confidence."
Southwestern will take on Dallas at home on December 2 at 8:00pm and Hardin-Simmons will be back in action November 29 at 1:00 pm when they take on Mississippi College at home.
