KANSAS CITY  — In a thrilling mid-season exhibition clash, (6)Southwestern College (11-0) pulled away in the final stretch to secure a 72-62 victory over NCAA Div. II, Rockhurst University (5-6), at the Mason-Halpin Field House.

The Builders found themselves down 12 points, 1-13, to start the game and battled their way back to take a 32-30 halftime lead.

The Moundbuilders showcased their patience and conditioning with a decisive 8-0 late run, establishing a commanding 65-55 lead with only 3:28 remaining in the game.

The Southwestern defense held the Hawks to 10 of 33 from beyond the arc, 30.3 percent, and 35.5 percent from the field. SC held Rockhurst to just two field goals in the closing seven minutes,

Southwestern was led by Cevin Clark, who paced the team with an impressive 21-points.

The Builders out rebounded the Hawks 50-30, with Andrew O'Brien grabbing 15 rebounds by himself and 12 points.

Mason Thiessen with 14 points, five rebounds.

Justin DeMaria picked up exactly where he left off before the break, scoring 14 points and 7 rebounds.

The Moundbuilders return home for the new year, Wednesday, Jan. 3, hosting conference foe, Kansas Wesleyan (8-4, 5-1) at 7pm.