WINFIELD, Kan. — Southwestern College opened the 2025-26 men's basketball season on a strong note Tuesday night, defeating Hesston College 101-63 in the home opener at Stewart Field House. The Moundbuilders displayed balanced scoring, strong rebounding, and solid defense in front of an energetic crowd.

Senior guard Wyatt Bell led Southwestern with 26 points on 9-of-14 shooting, including a 7-for-7 effort from the free-throw line. Bell also grabbed seven rebounds. Evan Barber added 16 points and a team-high five assists, while forward Nigel John contributed 12 points and six rebounds. Sophomore forward Logan Churchill provided eight points, five rebounds and a block off the bench in 12 minutes.

Southwestern shot 51 percent from the field (31 of 61) and 84 percent from the free-throw line (31 of 37). The Moundbuilders out-rebounded Hesston 52-14, scored 42 points in the paint, and added 21 second-chance points. Southwestern's bench contributed 34 points in the win.

Hesston was led by Ky Kougl with 14 points on 5-of-12 shooting and two steals. Marcus Golden added nine points, and Trent Thompson finished with seven points and three steals. The Larks trailed 37-32 at halftime before Southwestern pulled away in the second half, outscoring Hesston 64-31 after the break.

The win gave Southwestern a 1-0 start to the season and marked the program's 10th consecutive home-opening victory under head coach Matt O'Brien.

Southwestern will stay at home for its next game on Monday, Nov. 3 , at noon, hosting Randall University in the Champions of Character game at Stewart Field House.