'Roo Men Edged by Southwestern

GEORGETOWN, Texas - Michael Holland matched a career-high with 30 points and Justice Mercadel added 21, but it would not be enough for the Austin College men's basketball team as the 'Roos were edged 87-84 by Southwestern on Friday evening. The 'Roos are now 6-8 overall and 3-4 in Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference play.

Austin College shot a sizzling 55.6% from the field but were outscored 27-to-10 from the free throw line, and the Pirates knocked down eight threes compared to just three for the 'Roos to help secure the win. Austin College trailed by as many as 11 points in the first half before battling back for a 42-40 lead at halftime before the Pirates used 12 second half offensive rebounds and a 16-to-5 advantage from the charity stripe to take the lead and hand on down the stretch. Austin College knocked down just 5-of-11 free throw attempts in the second half, and pulled down only 11 rebounds after the break compared to 25 for Southwestern.

Holland knocked down 13-of-22 shots to get his 30 points, adding seven rebounds, three steals, two blocks, and two assists. Mercadel went 8-of-11 from the floor and added four steals in the loss, which snapped a three game winning streak for Austin College. Roman Strickland came off the bench to score 13 points for Austin College, adding five rebounds.

Austin College will look to bounce back on Saturday as they head to Seguin to face defending SCAC champion Texas Lutheran.