BARTLESVILLE, Okla. – A strong second-half effort was not enough for Southwestern College (15-9, 8-9), as the Moundbuilders fell 75-67 to Oklahoma Wesleyan (18-6, 15-3) in a KCAC matchup at the Mueller Sports Center.

Justin Demaria led the Moundbuilders with 19 points, knocking down five three-pointers while adding three rebounds.

Evan Barber contributed nine points, three assists, and two rebounds, while Wyatt Bell added eight points, five rebounds, and three assists.

Zach Hidalgo dominated the glass, recording eight points, 13 rebounds, three blocks, and two assists.

Southwestern struggled in the first half, shooting 29.0% (9-of-31) from the field, leading to a 37-23 halftime deficit. However, the Moundbuilders came alive in the second half, outscoring the Eagles 44-38 while hitting nine three-pointers to cut the deficit to single digits late in the game.

Despite the rally, Oklahoma Wesleyan  maintained control behind Isaac Stanek's 16 points and Dylan Phillip's 14 points. The Eagles shot 48.3% (29-of-60) from the field and Controlled the paint with 44 points inside.

Southwestern finished shooting 38.7% (24-of-62) overall, including 13-of-36 (36.1%) from three-point range.

The Moundbuilders were 6-of-9 (66.7%) from the free-throw line, but turnovers (12) and second-chance points (4) proved costly in the loss.

The Moundbuilders will look to bounce back when they return to action on Saturday, Feb 8 against the Bethany Sweeds.