WINFIELD, Kan. — Southwestern College battled toe-to-toe with Kansas Wesleyan for 40 minutes Saturday afternoon, but a late Coyotes surge handed the Moundbuilders a 94-90 loss in a Kansas Conference thriller.

The defeat drops Southwestern to 19-7 overall and 13-7 in KCAC play, while Kansas Wesleyan improved to 11-14 and 9-10 in the conference.

The two teams were deadlocked at 40-all at halftime, setting the stage for a back-and-forth second half that featured four lead changes and four ties.

Southwestern shot 50.8% from the floor (33 of 65) and 73.9% from the free-throw line (17 of 23), but Kansas Wesleyan answered by converting 54.4% of its field goals and knocking down 26 free throws. The Coyotes outscored the Builders 54-50 in the second half, fueled by 24 made free throws after the break.

Wyatt Bell led Southwestern with 26 points, including 21 in the second half, while shooting 10 of 17 from the field. Nigel John added 21 points and five rebounds, going 7 of 10 from the floor and 7 of 9 at the line. Isaac Hoberecht chipped in 13 points and six assists.

Kansas Wesleyan built its largest lead of the game at 13 points midway through the second half, but Southwestern clawed back to within three in the final minute before the Coyotes sealed the win at the free-throw line.

The Moundbuilders will look to bounce back Wednesday, Feb. 18, when they travel to Wichita, Kansas, for another conference test against Friends University. Southwestern claimed the first meeting between the two teams, 74-71. Tipoff is scheduled for 8 p.m.