Pina-Warren's Career Day Lifts 'Roos to Road Win

SEGUIN, Texas - Tasshir Pina-Warren poured in a career-high 31 points on Saturday evening to lead the Austin College men's basketball team to an 80-71 victory over Texas Lutheran University at Memorial Gym. Pina-Warren's scoring output marks the highest total by any 'Roo player this season, anchoring a critical Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference road win.

Austin College (6-14, 3-8 SCAC) established control early in the first half behind efficient perimeter shooting. Pina-Warren ignited the offense with a three-pointer at the 18:41 mark to give the 'Roos their first lead at 3-2. The 'Roos then broke a 13-13 tie with a 10-point run, punctuated by back-to-back fast-break scores from Pina-Warren - a three-pointer followed by a layup - to push the advantage to 33-24 with 4:02 remaining in the period. Austin College eventually entered the halftime break with a commanding 42-26 lead.

The Bulldogs (8-12, 3-8 SCAC) attempted a rally in the second half, utilizing a 14-point advantage in fast-break scoring to trim the deficit. However, the 'Roos maintained their composure, stretching the lead back to 20 points at 64-44 following a Ryan Dupre bucket with 9:06 left to play. Texas Lutheran managed to pull within nine points late in the game after an Isaac Orozco three-pointer with just 15 seconds remaining, but Kidus Getenet sealed the win at the charity stripe by sinking two free throws with 11 seconds left on the clock.

Pina-Warren's 31 points came on 9-of-13 shooting, including a 5-of-6 effort from beyond the arc and eight made free throws. He was supported by Getenet, who finished with 19 points and four rebounds, and Peyton Gonzales, who contributed 14 points and a team-high three steals. Ethan Pearce provided a significant presence on the glass, recording 10 rebounds to go along with three assists. For Texas Lutheran, Teddy Tapken led the way with 17 points and seven rebounds.

Austin College finished the game shooting 47.5% from the field and capitalized on second-chance opportunities, outscoring the Bulldogs 14-6 in that category. The 'Roos also won the rebounding battle 41-35, helping them withstand a late Bulldog push that saw TLU shoot 46.9% in the second half. The 'Roos are back in action on Sunday when they head to Austin to take on Concordia University Texas.