Men's Basketball Drops SCAC and Home Opener Thursday

San Antonio - The Southwestern University Pirates spoiled the home opener for the Trinity University Tiger men's basketball team with a 78-56 Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference win Thursday night in Sams Gym. 

The Tigers (1-4, 0-1 SCAC) took a two-point lead in the opening minutes of the game, and never led again. Southwestern (4-1, 1-0 SCAC) shot 71 percent in the first half to Trinity's 40 percent, as the Pirates led 45-31 at halftime. The Pirates, who beat the Tigers in last year's SCAC semifinals, led by as much as 25 points in the game (with two minutes remaining). Southwestern shot 50 percent in the second half and limited Trinity to 27 percent.

Trinity junior forward Luke Caldarera of Katy, Texas (Taylor), scored 15 points, hitting 6-11 from the field, 1-2 beyond the arc, and sank both free throws. He led the game in rebounds, with six, and also had a game-best four steals. Senior forward Bryant Wilson of Dallas (Jesuit College Prep) added 13 points and two assists.

Senior center Peter Garatoni of San Antonio (MacArthur) added nine points and three rebounds. First-year forward Heath Hopson of Lampasas, Texas (Lampasas), scored six points. Senior guard Bart Taylor of San Antonio (St. Mary's Hall), had four points and four assists.

Southwestern's Nick Caputo scored 19 points, hitting 5-7 from the 3-point mark. Zach Bergstrom and Jonathan Brown each added 17 points.

The Pirates shot 61 percent in the game, to 33 percent for the Tigers. Southwestern held a 33-23 lead in rebounding, including a 27-15 advantage on defensive boards.

The two teams will meet again Feb. 19 in Georgetown.

The Tigers will play in the Southwestern/Trinity Pre-Holiday Classic Dec. 19-20, also in Georgetown. Trinity returns home Dec. 28-29 for the Trinity/Southwestern Holiday Classic.