Posted: Mar 05, 2021
GEORGETOWN, Texas - In a game that saw both teams shoot over 50 percent from the field, fifth-seeded Austin College topped fourth-seeded Southwestern University, 84-72, in Friday night quarterfinal action of the 2021 SCAC Men’s Basketball Tournament at the Robertson Center. Official Tournament Website
Led by a game-high 20 points from Michal Holland, of which 17 came in the second half, Austin College had four players hit double figures in vaulting the ‘Roos into next weekend’s semifinal round.
HOW IT HAPPENED
- In an opening 20 minutes that featured 34 fouls between the two teams, Austin College carried a 36-32 advantage into halftime.
- A back and forth second half that saw four lead changes, the ‘Roos took the lead with 7:57 remaining on a Joshua Joe made layup and never relinquished, using a 16-6 run over a 3:44 span with less than five minutes remaining to close out the game.
- Both teams shot the ball well as Southwestern connected on a season-best 53.1 percent from the field, while Austin College hit 51.9 percent of its shots. The ‘Roos improved to a perfect 3-0 on the season when hitting 50 percent or better from the field.
- Austin College forced Southwestern into a season-high 21 turnovers, tying a season-high in steals with 15 and outscored the Pirates, 24-3, in points off turnovers.
- Austin College led Southwestern in rebounds (33-27), points in the paint (40-34) and fast break points (19-11).
- Bench scoring was almost identcal with Southwestern holding a 27-25 margin.
AUSTIN COLLEGE STATISTICAL STANDOUTS
- Michael Holland: 20 points, six rebounds, three assists, two steals
- Joshua Joe: 16 points, five assists, four steals, one rebound
- Jonathan Lawrence: 15 points, two rebounds, two steals
- Jaylyn Cleamons: 14 points, four rebounds, two steals, one assist
SOUTHWESTERN STATISTICAL STANDOUTS
- Preston Hannah: 15 points, three assists, one rebound
- Trenton Garrett: 12 points, seven rebounds, one block
- Calvin Williams: 10 points, four rebounds, one steal
NOTABLE
- This was the second time Austin College and Southwestern have met in the SCAC Tournament, with the ‘Roos winning the previous tilt, 71-60 in the 2016 quarterfinals.
- After winning six-straight matchups, this is the second time in the last three years the No. 4 seed has fallen to the No. 5 seed.
- This marks the fourth victory in Austin College program history in the SCAC Tournament and the 12-points margin of victory is the second largest in its history.
- With the win, Austin College will now head into the semifinals for the right to advance to its first-ever SCAC Championship game. Austin College is 0-4 all-time in the SCAC semifinals.
- Southwestern ends its season with a 4-3 record.
UP NEXT
Austin College (5-5) advances to take on the winner of No. 1 seed Trinity and No. 8 Schreiner next weekend. If Trinity wins, the Tigers will host Austin College; if Schreiner wins, the Mountaineers would travel to Sherman and play at Austin College next weekend. Date and times for all semifinal games will be announced on Monday.
Austin College (5-5) advances to take on the winner of No. 1 seed Trinity and No. 8 Schreiner next weekend. If Trinity wins, the Tigers will host Austin College; if Schreiner wins, the Mountaineers would travel to Sherman and play at Austin College next weekend. Date and times for all semifinal games will be announced on Monday.
