MCPHERSON, Kan. – The Southwestern College Moundbuilders, who are receiving votes in the national poll, secured a hard-fought 89-86 victory over the McPherson Bulldogs in the final game of the night at the McPherson Sports Center. The win completed a three-game sweep and marked the Moundbuilders' first conference win of the season in a tightly contested Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference (KCAC) opener. Earlier in the day, football won 41-17, and women's basketball won 65-58.
Southwestern trailed 50-46 at halftime but surged ahead in the second half by outscoring McPherson 43-36. Two double-doubles, propelled the Moundbuilders to victory in a game filled with standout performances.
Guard Evan Barber led all scorers with 26 points. After scoring seven points in the first half, Barber caught fire in the second, contributing 19 points on 8-of-11 shooting. He finished the game shooting 10-of-18 from the field, including 3-of-7 from beyond the arc. Barber also dished out five assists and played a pivotal role in Southwestern's offensive success.
The Moundbuilders were powered by the dominant presence of Zach Hidalgo and Trey Abasolo, who each recorded a double-double. Hidalgo scored 21 points on 8-of-14 shooting and pulled down a game-high 17 rebounds, including 10 offensive rebounds. Abasolo matched Hidalgo's energy with 14 points and 14 rebounds, five of which came on the offensive glass. Both players played critical roles in Southwestern's ability to secure second-chance opportunities and control the boards.
Justin DeMaria also had a strong showing, scoring 13 points, all of which came in the first half. He knocked down three three-pointers to keep the Moundbuilders within striking distance before the halftime break. Ronnail Tape, who started the game, and Austin Hilton combined for 15 points, providing valuable depth to the team.
After shooting 41.5 percent from the floor in the first half, Southwestern increased their efficiency in the second, hitting 47.1 percent of their shots. The team's defense also tightened up after the break, holding McPherson to just 36 second-half points after allowing 50 in the opening period.
The Builders will be back on the road in another KCAC battle in North Newton, against Bethel College on Wednesday, Nov. 20, at 7 p.m.
