WINFIELD , Kan — The Southwestern College men's basketball team heads to Oklahoma Wesleyan on Wednesday night, looking to bounce back from back-to-back losses and avenge a narrow defeat from earlier this season in a key KCAC showdown.
The Moundbuilders (15-7, 9-7) have struggled in their last two outings, falling 81-68 to Bethel and suffering a heartbreaking 66-65 loss to York. Against Bethel, the Builders were unable to contain the Threshers' inside attack, giving up 46 points in the paint while allowing their opponent to shoot 52.7% from the field. Offensively, Southwestern struggled with efficiency, shooting just 37.5% from the floor and 26.7% from beyond the arc.
In their most recent game against York, the Builders allowed a 15-2 second-half run that erased their lead and left them playing from behind in the closing minutes. Despite forcing 15 turnovers, Southwestern couldn't capitalize offensively, shooting only 39.3% from the field. The Builders were held to just 28 second-half points, their lowest scoring half in conference play this season.
Southwestern will need to regroup quickly as they prepare for a rematch with an Oklahoma Wesleyan team that edged them 75-71 in Winfield on Dec. 11. In that game, OKWU guard Derrick Talton Jr. led all scorers with 25 points on 10-of-18 shooting, while the Eagles outscored the Builders 40-12 in the paint.
One key difference in the rematch will be the presence of Jaden Lietzke, who missed the first matchup but has been a force inside for OKWU this season, averaging 14.7 points and 6.7 rebounds per game on 72.5% shooting whic is second in the NAIA. His return will add another challenge for a Southwestern defense that has struggled in recent games to defend the paint.
To keep pace, the Builders will need strong performances from Wyatt Bell (15.2 PPG) and Evan Barber (13.2 PPG, 3.3 APG) while relying on their three-point shooting, where they've connected on 37.8% this season. However, perimeter shots alone won't be enough if they can't shore up their defense and limit second-chance opportunities.
Oklahoma Wesleyan (16-6, 13-3) comes in on a four-game winning streak and has been one of the toughest defensive teams in the conference, allowing just 71.6 points per game. The Builders will need to execute with more efficiency than they have in their recent struggles if they hope to snap their skid.
Tipoff is set for 7 p.m. at the Mueller Sports Center in Bartlesville.
