McPHERSON, Kan. — McPherson College used a strong start to the second half to pull away from Southwestern College and earn a 79-64 Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference win Saturday at Holman Fieldhouse.

McPherson improved to 11-5 overall and 7-3 in KCAC play, while Southwestern fell to 11-5 and 5-5 in conference action.

The first half was tightly contested, with neither team able to create separation. Zach Hidalgo and Nigel John provided an inside presence for the Moundbuilders, scoring 12 points apiece before halftime. McPherson was paced by Korbin Gunn, who scored 19 of his game-high 24 points in the opening half to give the Bulldogs a 41-40 lead at the break.

McPherson opened the second half on a quick run, building a 50-44 lead four minutes in. The Bulldogs extended the margin to 10 points with nine minutes remaining and maintained control the rest of the way and cruised to a 79-64 win.

Hidalgo recorded his fifth double-double of the season, finishing with 21 points and 14 rebounds to lead Southwestern. Wyatt Bell added 16 points, three rebounds and two assists, reaching the 1,000-point mark for his collegiate career. Nigel John contributed 14 points and seven rebounds.

Southwestern shot 43.3 percent from the field (26 of 60) but struggled from beyond the arc, going 3 of 18. The Moundbuilders were 9 of 17 from the free-throw line. Southwestern finished with 18 offensive rebounds, resulting in 26 second-chance points, and scored 38 points in the paint.

Gunn led McPherson with 24 points, five rebounds and four assists. The Bulldogs shot 48.4 percent from the field, connected on 12 of 27 from three-point range and went 7 of 10 at the free-throw line. McPherson also received 32 points from its bench.

Southwestern will return to action Wednesday, Jan. 14, when it hosts Friends University at Stewart Fieldhouse. Tipoff is set for 7 p.m.