LAWRENCE, Kan. — Southwestern College will look to continue its early-season momentum Friday when the Moundbuilders face Benedictine College (Kan.) in the Ernie Stevens Jr. Classic, hosted by Haskell Indian Nations University.
The matchup marks the first of two games for Southwestern in the tournament, as the Builders aim to extend their undefeated start behind the steady play of senior standout Wyatt Bell. Bell has powered the offense through two games, averaging 25 points and seven rebounds per contest.
Junior guard Evan Barber has added a strong scoring and play-making punch, contributing 17.5 points and 4.5 assists per game, while junior forward Nigel John has provided a presence in the paint with 14.5 points and five rebounds per outing. Senior forward Zach Hidalgo continues to anchor the interior for Southwestern, averaging eight points and nine boards.
Benedictine (1-0) enters the contest after an opening win over Haskell Indian Nations University on Oct. 30. The Ravens, led by 14th-year head coach Ryan Moody, had a well-balanced attack in their season-opening win with four players in double figures. Having just 11 bench points in the victory, the Ravens' depth will be tested against the Moundbuilders.
The Moundbuilders defeated the Ravens 67-52 in last season's opener in Winfield and will look to repeat that success in Friday's neutral-site rematch. Southwestern aims to keep its hot start alive before closing out the tournament later this weekend.
