'Roos Advance to SCAC Semifinals

GEORGETOWN, Texas - The Austin College men's basketball team overcome early foul trouble to survive and advance past Southwestern on Friday night in the opening round of the Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference Tournament, topping the Pirates 84-72.

The 'Roos enter the semifinals against either Trinity or Schreiner next week with a record of 5-5, and managed to get past the No. 4-seeded Pirates behind 20 points from Michael Holland, 16 from Joshua Joe, 15 from Jonathan Lawrence, and 14 from Jaylyn Cleamons. Both teams shot well throughout the game, with Austin College knocking down 51.9% from the field while Southwestern hit 53.1%, but Austin College made 23-of-31 free throws compared to just 14-of-19 for the Pirates. Austin College also forced Southwestern into 21 turnovers while only giving it away 11 times themselves.

The difference in turnovers also led to a big difference in points created by those turnovers, as Austin College scored 24 points following Southwestern giveaways while the Pirates only managed to get three points in that category. Austin College led by as many as 15 points in the game and were out in front for most of the game, putting the Pirates away down the stretch thanks to their clutch free throw shooting.

Holland made 8-of-18 shots to get his 20 points, adding six rebounds and three assists, while Joe made 8-of-9 free throws on his way to 16 points. He also handed out five assists and came away with four steals in the win. Lawrence came off the bench for his career game, knocking down 3-of-5 shots from long distance, and Cleamons made 4-of-6 from the field and 5-of-6 from the stripe.

Preston Hannah led Southwestern with 15 points, while Trenton Garrett scored 10 and Calvin Williams added 10. Garrett also grabbed a game-best seven rebounds.