Southwest dazzled on their home court at the Jack & Mabel Student Life Center, defeating North American 91-73 in a decisive and high-energy performance. From start to finish, Southwest asserted their dominance with a well-rounded team effort that left no room for doubt.
Explosive Offense
Southwest showcased an offensive clinic, shooting 41.1% from the field and capitalizing on free throws with a 76.5% success rate. Jacob Koontz was the driving force behind their attack, scoring a game-high 25 points while grabbing 11 rebounds for a double-double performance. His efficiency at the charity stripe, going 9-for-10, underscored his composure under pressure.
James Evans contributed significantly with 17 points and 9 rebounds, while Rahkiem Petterson chipped in 12 points and 5 rebounds. The team's ability to spread the scoring load highlighted their offensive depth and teamwork.
Defensive Effort
On the defensive side, Southwest out-rebounded North American 46-36, with aggressive play in the paint that denied second-chance opportunities. Their defense also forced 19 turnovers, with Jayvin Brown and Norman Beckford leading the way with critical stops that fueled fast-break opportunities.
Key Plays
The first half set the tone as Southwest built a comfortable lead, outscoring North American 40-26. The second half saw no let-up, as the team continued to dominate with a balanced attack and timely defensive plays.
Bright Spots and Adjustments
While the team showed resilience and discipline, three-point shooting remains a key area for improvement, as they shot just 23.8% from beyond the arc. Nevertheless, their overall performance displayed a cohesive unit with the potential to go far this season.
Looking Ahead
This win propels Southwest to a strong position early in their campaign, and the confidence gained from such a performance bodes well for future games. With players firing on all cylinders and the team functioning as a cohesive unit, Southwest is setting a high standard for the season.
In front of an enthusiastic home crowd, Southwest delivered a performance that promises more exciting moments to come. This win was a statement, and the team looks ready to build on this success as the season progresses.
The Mustangs will be back in action this Saturday Novmeber 16 as they will take on conference opponent Huston- Tillotson Univertsity.Â