Austin College Men Earn 10th Conference Victory

SHERMAN, Texas - The Austin College men's basketball team pulled away down the stretch to top Southwestern University 76-57 on Friday night in Hughey Gym, earning the 'Roos their 10th Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference win of the season. The 'Roos are now 13-9 overall and 10-5 in conference play.

Devin Roland led the way with 21 points in the win, which got the 'Roos to double digits in conference victories for the first time since the 2011-2012 season and for just the third time since joining the SCAC in the 2006-2007 campaign. Austin College also got 17 points apiece off the bench from Roman Strickland and Kam Hogan, and the 'Roos outscored the Pirates 47-34 after halftime on their way to the win.

Both teams came out cold offensively in the first half, with the 'Roos shooting 36.4% from the field and Southwestern hitting just 30.8% of their shots as Austin College took a 29-23 lead into the break. The 'Roos caught fire after halftime, however, hitting 18-of-31 field goal attempts, including 5-of-10 from long range, and pushed the margin to double digits on a jumper by Strickland to make it a 52-42 game with 9:53 left. Southwestern cut it to a six point game with 7:33 remaining, but a 12-1 run by the 'Roos made it 70-53 with 4:02 on the clock and put the game out of reach for the Pirates.

Roland hit 9-of-14 shots to get his 21 points, adding six rebounds and three assists, and Hogan made 7-of-12 shots including 3-of-4 from long distance. Strickland hit 6-of-10 from the field, knocking down 2-of-4 from deep while adding seven boards. Michael Holland chipped in 12 points, and Justice Mercadel had nine assists and nine rebounds in the victory.

Southwestern's Kyle Howard led all scorers with 25 points, while Brandon Alexander posted a double-double with 12 points and 10 rebounds and Trenton Garrett added 10 points in the loss.

Austin College is home one more time tomorrow when they host Texas Lutheran University for Senior Day at 4:00 p.m. Prior to the game, the Hughey Gymnasium floor will be dedicated in honor of Austin College alum and former men's basketball player Jim Rolfe at 3:30 p.m.