GEORGETOWN, Texas – Hardin-Simmons' men's basketball team fell 80-74 on the road at Southwestern on Thursday night in Georgetown.

The Pirates jumped out to a 15-4 lead early in the first half. The Cowboys chipped away at the deficit and trailed 40-39 at halftime on a Ryan Leiss layup at the buzzer.

Cameron Barnes made a 3-pointer in the opening minute of the second half to give the Cowboys their first lead since it was 4-3 early in the game.

The game went back-and-forth over the next 10 minutes and the teams were tied at 56 with 10:09 to play. The Pirates then went on a 7-0 run to take a 65-58 lead.

Justin Jones scored seven straight points to cut the deficit to 71-69 with 4:01 to play. Zachary Whitlock made a 3-point play with 2:15 play to make it 76-69. HSU chipped away again and cut it to 76-74 on a Nathaniel Jack free throw with :22 to play, but the Cowboys would not get any closer.

Jones led three Cowboys in double figures with 24 points. He also added 10 rebounds and five blocked shots. Jack had 13 points and 10 rebounds and Christian O'Neal added 10 points.

All five Pirates starters were in double figures. Whitlock led the way with 25 points and Ryan Ogden had 17 points and 12 rebounds.

HSU shot 42.9 percent from the field but just 4-of-26 from 3-point range and 22-of-32 at the free throw line. The Cowboys also turned it over 18 times resulting in 20 Southwestern points.

The Cowboys are 1-1 on the year and Southwestern improved to 2-0. HSU will next be in action Saturday at Trinity at 3 p.m.