LANGSTON, Okla – Friday, March 15, 2024, the first-round matchup in the NAIA National Tournament hosted by Langston University in the Duer quadrant, the Builders couldn't hold on to multiple eleven-point leads, and the 9th seed Ave Maria University defeated the 8th seed Builders, 97-92.

Southwestern built multiple eleven-point leads throughout the game and had themselves in a comfortable and familiar position.

With six minutes to go in the first half, SC up 34-23, the Builders became uncomfortable as Ave Maria countered with a 17-4 surge before the half.

Southwestern managed to score the final four points of the half as Wyatt Bell tied the game at 40-40, and Cevin Clark hit the final bucket of the half, 42-40.

In the second half, Southwestern could only extend their largest lead to eight as Ave Maria continued to battle throughout the second half. The Gyrenes scored 30 points in the last ten minutes of the game compared to Southwestern's 22 points.
 

With a chance in the final 1:27, deadlocked at 92, the Gyrene's defense got four clutch stops, and capitalized by sinking three free throws after Southwestern fouls to stop the clock.

Andrew O'Brien led the charge for the Builders with an impressive 25 points five rebounds and five assists performance.

Clark finished his career with 18 points and five rebounds.

Mason Thiessen had 16 points and three rebounds.

Jarvis Jennings had 11 points and four rebounds.