WINFIELD, Kan. — Southwestern couldn't maintain its hot start Saturday afternoon, falling 83–74 to McPherson after surrendering a nine-point halftime lead inside Stewart Fieldhouse.

The Moundbuilders (4–1) were sharp early, shooting 51% in the first half and knocking down six of their 12 3-point attempts to build a 38–29 advantage. Junior guard Evan Barber fueled the offense with 22 points, three rebounds and two assists, while senior Wyatt Bell added 19 points, two rebounds and four assists.

McPherson (4–2) responded out of the break, trimming the advantage to 48–46 with 14 minutes remaining. After several minutes of trading baskets, the Bulldogs grabbed a 56–55 lead with 10 minutes left — their first of the second half — and held control the rest of the way. Southwestern struggled to replicate its early efficiency, hitting just 13 of 36 attempts in the final period.

The Builders finished 28 of 65 (43.1%) from the field, 11 of 27 (40.7%) from 3-point range and 7 of 13 (53.8%) at the free-throw line. They totaled 32 points in the paint, 13 second-chance points and 15 off the bench.

McPherson shot 30 of 69 (43.9%) overall, 7 of 14 (50%) from deep and 16 of 24 (66.7%) at the stripe. The Bulldogs added 28 points in the paint, 19 second-chance points and 25 off the bench. They also created key scoring opportunities off turnovers, which helped fuel their second-half surge.

Despite multiple late pushes, Southwestern couldn't close the gap as McPherson maintained its rhythm and shot nearly 60% in the second half.

The Builders look to bounce back Wednesday when they host Bethel College at 7 p.m. in Stewart Fieldhouse.