Southwest men's basketball team delivered a spirited first-half performance but faltered in the second half, falling to LSU Alexandria 103-92 on Thursday evening at the Jack & Mabel Student Life Center.

A Promising Start Southwest came out firing, outscoring LSU Alexandria 53-52 in a thrilling first half that showcased the offensive firepower on both teams. Jalen McAfee Marion led the charge with 20 points, including three three-pointers, while Rahkiem Petterson dominated from the free-throw line, converting 12 of his 16 attempts to finish with a team-high 23 points.

The team displayed great ball movement, recording 11 assists to LSU Alexandria's nine, and shot an impressive 45% from beyond the arc.

Key Second-Half Challenges The game shifted in the second half as LSU Alexandria turned up the defensive intensity and gained control of the boards. Southwest struggled to maintain their offensive rhythm, scoring only 39 points in the final 20 minutes compared to LSU Alexandria's 51. Costly turnovers — 19 in total — combined with a rebounding disadvantage (34 to 21) tipped the scales against Southwest.

LSU Alexandria's Kashie Natt was unstoppable, posting a double-double with 26 points and 11 rebounds, while EJ McQuillan added 24 points, including four three-pointers, to seal the win for the visitors.

Bright Spots for Southwest Despite the loss, Southwest had standout performances. Petterson's efficiency and aggressiveness at the line kept the team competitive, while McAfee Marion's scoring touch was a consistent threat throughout the game. James Evans provided a spark off the bench, contributing 12 points on efficient shooting.

Southwest's 70.5% free-throw shooting (31-of-44) and three-point accuracy (9-of-20) were positives they can build upon as they prepare for their next matchup.

Looking Ahead Southwest's early-season loss highlights areas for improvement, particularly in rebounding and protecting the basketball. With their offensive capabilities and a resilient core of players, they have the tools to bounce back and make a strong statement in the games to come.

The team will look to regroup and capitalize on their potential as they aim to turn this setback into a learning opportunity.

The Mustangs will be back in action on Saturday as they take on LSU-Shreveport at 7:30 PM in Hobbs, NM.