Men's Basketball Southwestern Athletic Communications

MBB Wins First Conference Tournament Game Since 2016 Against Millsaps, 89-79

MOUNT BERRY, GEORGIA - Southwestern University Men's Basketball was dominant in a historic quarterfinal SAA Tournament win over Millsaps College, 89-79. The Pirates never trailed, jumping out of the gates strong by scoring 49 points and building a 20-point lead at halftime. 

Southwestern was doubted all season long, coming off back-to-back seasons with two wins in 2023-24 and 2024-25. This season has seen 13 wins after the Pirates were selected to finish eighth in the preseason poll. Now the Pirates have won their program's first conference tournament game since 2016, advancing to the SAA Semifinal against one-seed Rhodes College on Friday at 4 p.m. CT. 

The Pirates flat out controlled the pace and dominated Millsaps from the opening tip, setting the tone and never looking back. The squad shot 57% from the field in the first half and finished the game at 52%. Multiple different Pirates had standout performances. The leading scorer was Aedan Lewis with career-highs in both points (28) and assists (6), along with 11 boards. The sophomore had his way with his third double-double of the year. 

Junior Luke Mills recorded a double-double (14 points and 11 boards), but his impact on this game went far deeper than the box score with incredible protection of the rim, while also diving across the court on multiple occasions. The captain, senior Shobby Enakpene, also with 20 points on 8-14 shooting. 

GAME HIGHLIGHTS
  • Millsaps had previously had Southwestern's number, winning both regular season matchups. However, it truly is tough to beat a team three times. 
  • Southwestern started senior Luke Hatcher, junior Zach Gomez, Enakpene, Mills, and Lewis. 
  • Freshman Neo Franco helped the Pirates jump on the Majors to start the game, owning a 20-12 lead. 
  • All facets were contributing as freshman Sawyer Batz came off the bench to drill a triple, leading 29-16. 
  • Mills was a menace on the offensive glass with multiple put back, building a 41-21 lead. 
  • The Pirates first half of 49 points was special and they followed up the performance by keeping the throttle down as Gomez made it 58-33. 
  • Lewis scored 16 points in the second half as Millsaps couldn't stop his driving ability. 
  • The Majors came brought it within ten points in the second, but senior Sebastian Loder, Enakpene, Franco, and Batz iced the game at the free throw line. 
  • The ten point difference tonight did not truly reflect the pure dominance that the Pirates displayed in tonight's quarterfinal. 
GAME NOTES
  • Southwestern continues to make history, but most importantly they chase the conference crown. No Pirate team has ever won conference tournament in the NCAA era. 
  • Franco turned in another strong night with nine points, six boards, and three assists.
  • Lewis was extremely efficient at 11-17 from the field. 
  • The star duo of Enakpene and Lewis combined for 48 points. 
  • The Pirates turn their attention to top-seeded Rhodes College. The Lynx won both regular season matches, but the Pirates had the chances to beat them last meeting, losing by four. 
UP NEXT
Southwestern repeats their routine tomorrow with the same game time at 4 p.m. CT against Rhodes.