Winfield, Kan. — Behind an electric atmosphere and a packed Stewart Field House filled with the Southwestern College student body, the Moundbuilders delivered one of the biggest wins this season, knocking off No. 3-ranked Oklahoma Wesleyan 83–80 on Tuesday night.
The home crowd provided playoff-level energy from start to finish as Southwestern (17-6, 11-6 KCAC) erased an 11-point first-half deficit and closed the game at the free-throw line to hand the Eagles (20-3, 15-2 KCAC) just their second loss in KCAC play.
Stewart Field House was at full volume throughout the night with crowd swinging momentum during key stretches of the game. The student section erupted during a decisive second-half run that pushed the Builders back in front and never allowed the Eagles to fully regain control.
The teams entered halftime tied at 44–44 before Southwestern outscored Oklahoma Wesleyan 39–36 over the final 20 minutes. Wyatt Bell led all scorers with 21 points, adding nine rebounds and six assists. Evan Barber followed with 15 points and eight assists, while Austin Hilton provided a spark off the bench with 15 points on five three-pointers. Isaac Hoberecht added 12 points, and Nigel John finished with 10 points and nine rebounds.
The contest featured eight ties and four lead changes, with both teams making huge plays down the stretch. Oklahoma Wesleyan briefly took a late lead with under three minutes remaining, but Southwestern responded with timely baskets and poise at the free-throw line, feeding off the energy of the home crowd.
Barber sealed the upset with clutch free throws in the final seconds, sending Stewart Field House into a frenzy. Oklahoma Wesleyan's final three-point attempt at the buzzer missed the mark, securing the 83–80 victory.
Southwestern shot 50.0 percent from the field and 55.2 percent from three-point range, knocking down 16 triples while winning the rebounding battle 34–28.
The Moundbuilders return to KCAC action on Saturday, February 7, traveling to Lindsborg, Kansas to face the Bethany College Swedes. Bethany enters the matchup with a 6-16 overall record and a 2-15 mark in conference play. Tip-off is set for 3:00 PM inside Ray D. Hahn Gymnasium.
