SALINA, Kan. — Wyatt Bell delivered in the final seconds, sinking the go-ahead layup to lift Southwestern to an 83-82 victory over Kansas Wesleyan in a thrilling conference matchup.

The Moundbuilders (19-8, 13-8) controlled much of the contest but found themselves in a tight battle down the stretch. With 14 seconds, Bell drove the full length of the floor and found an opening and finished the decisive layup, giving Southwestern the lead with just nine seconds remaining. Kansas Wesleyan (12-15, 7-14) had multiple chances to answer in the closing seconds, but it was Zach Hidalgo who blocked Alex Littlejohn at the rim to seal the win for the Builders. 

Bell finished with 18 points, four assists, and two rebounds, shooting 7-for-12 from the field.

Trey Abasolo had a career night at the Mabee Arena and led the Builders with 28 points on an efficient 11-of-17 shooting, including three three-pointers.

Evan Barber added 17 points and went a perfect 6-for-6 from the free-throw line. Hidalgo anchored the defense, pulling down a team-high 15 rebounds while contributing five points, and the biggest block of the game.

Southwestern came out strong, shooting 52% from the field in the first half to build a 52-36 lead at the break. The Moundbuilders knocked down eight three-pointers and capitalized at the free-throw line, making 15-of-16 attempts. However, Kansas Wesleyan stormed back in the second half, outscoring Southwestern 46-31 to set up the dramatic finish.

The Coyotes were led by Littlejohn's 28-point, 10-rebound double-double, while Carson Jones chipped in 22 points. Landon Wagler added 15 points off the bench, and Izaiah Hale contributed six points and four assists. Despite dominating the paint with 42 points, Kansas Wesleyan struggled from beyond the arc, shooting just 4-of-17 from three-point range.

Southwestern's defense forced seven turnovers and held strong in the final moments to secure the victory. The Moundbuilders return home to face Friends University on Feb. 19, Senior Night.