GEORGETOWN, Texas - Southwestern men's basketball dropped a double overtime decision at home 73-71 to the University of Dallas.
The Pirates started well and led through the middle of the first half, but the University of Dallas took the lead into halftime, 35-26.
Southwestern came out strong in the second half and quickly pulled the game even, 37-37, three minutes into the frame. SU wasn't able to take the lead as UD built their lead back to eight, 42-50, but with five points from Sean Myers in the next minute and a half, Southwestern was able to tie the game once again.
Dallas never gave the lead to Southwestern and UD led by two with 1:27 left on the clock when Travis Kurtz was fouled under the basket. Kurtz calmly stepped to the line and drained the game tying free throws, sending the contest into overtime.
Southwestern took the lead first with a layup by Michael Cantu, but the Crusaders had the immediate response with a jumper by Blaine Blackburn. After each team had a missed shot in their possession, UD once again jumped ahead with a layup by Ross Davidson but Chase Kocher answered to send the game into a second overtime, 62-62.
Blackburn started things off in the second overtime going 1-2 from the free throw line to put UD on top by one, 63-62, but after two offensive rebounds the Pirates got an open look beyond the arc. Kurtz nailed the three to give SU a two point lead with just under three minutes to play.
Southwestern traded points with the Crusaders and hit their free throws, two by Adrian Johnson and two by Kurtz to tie the game for the 12th time with 20 seconds left. As the clock ticked down UD worked the ball around the perimeter to Drew Assinesi who drove the lane and pulled up just shy of the basket, hitting the runner to give UD the lead 73-71 with seconds remaining. Kurtz's desperation heave was just off the mark.
Southwestern shot 35.5% from the field and 28.6% from three point range while UD went 40.4% from the floor and 25% from long range. SU was outrebounded 43-38 but committed five fewer turnovers, just 15 for the entire game.
Cantu led all Southwestern with 18 points while Myers added in 13 and Daniel Mataya 11. Myers also led the Pirates in rebounds with eight. Davidson led Dallas in both categories with 18 points and eight rebounds.
The loss drops SU to 5-9 on the year and 1-3 in the SCAC while UD improves to 8-4 and 3-1. Southwestern hits the road to face Centenary on Friday night in Shreveport, La. Game time is set for 8 p.m.