'Roos Drop Last-Second Heartbreaker to Southwestern

SHERMAN, Texas - A dramatic second-half comeback by Southwestern University culminated in a heartbreaking finish for the Austin College men's basketball team, as Shobby Enakpene's layup with just four seconds remaining handed the 'Roos a 75-73 defeat on Saturday evening in Hughey Gym. With the loss, Austin College falls to 2-6 on the season, while Southwestern improves to 6-4.

In a game that featured 10 ties and nine lead changes, neither team could gain separation in the first half, entering the locker room deadlocked at 34-34. However, the 'Roos appeared poised to run away with the contest in the second half. Fueled by a balanced attack, Austin College built its largest lead of the game at 12 points when Kidus Getenet converted a layup to make the score 64-52 with 7:43 remaining in regulation.

The visiting Pirates responded with a furious rally, chipping away at the deficit down the stretch. Southwestern tied the game at 68-68 on a jumper by Zach Gomez with 3:48 left to play, setting the stage for a frantic final few minutes. Austin College briefly reclaimed the lead at 71-69 when Getenet drained a clutch three-pointer with 2:09 on the clock. Southwestern answered quickly, as Aedan Lewis tied the game at 71-71 with a layup at the 1:50 mark.

After a defensive stop, Lewis struck again for the Pirates, converting a layup with 31 seconds remaining to give Southwestern a 73-71 advantage. The 'Roos refused to fold, and with 15 seconds left, Tasshir Pina-Warren tipped in a missed shot to knot the score at 73-73. However, Enakpene drove to the basket and finished a layup with just four seconds showing on the clock to put the Pirates ahead for good, as Austin College was unable to get a last second attempt off as the Pirates came up with a steal in the closing moments.

Getenet led the 'Roos with a game-high 18 points and added eight rebounds, while Pina-Warren finished with 15 points and four rebounds, going 5-of-8 from the field. Jamien June added 13 points and tied Jordan Hudgins with a team-high seven assists, while Peyton Gonzales contributed 10 points for Austin College.

Southwestern featured a balanced scoring effort with five players in double figures. Sawyer Batz led the way with 14 points, while Enakpene, Lewis, and Luke Hatcher each scored 13. Hatcher also pulled down a game-high 11 rebounds to complete a double-double. The Pirates shot 46.8% from the field in the game compared to 42.2% for the 'Roos, and the Pirates connected on 9-of-26 from long range versus just 3-of-14 for Austin College.