Bulldogs Falter Against UCO

February 15, 2006

Edmond, OK - Southwestern Oklahoma State was unable to solve the considerable size mismatch it faced against a taller, bigger Central Oklahoma team and fell 87-73 to the Bronchos in a men’s basketball game Wednesday in Edmond.

UCO made an even 50% (32-of-64) of its shots and bullied the Bulldogs on the boards corralling 49 rebounds to SWOSU’s 22. The Bulldogs made 27-of-61 (44%) of their shots but were limited to just four offensive rebounds.

The loss dropped the Bulldogs to 7-17 overall and 4-5 in the Lone Star Conference North Division. SWOSU is now tied for fifth place with Northeastern State University with three regular-season games to play. The top four teams in each division qualify for the LSC Postseason Tournament.

Reggie Gunn had 25 points and teammate Lonnie Cooks added 20 to lead the Bulldogs in scoring.

The Bronchos, who improved to 13-11 and 6-3 in the LSC North were led by 6-9 center Joe Kennerly with 22 points.

Gunn’s basket at the 11:49 mark in the first half kept SWOSU close early, tying the game for the fourth time at 15-all. UCO then went on a 12-3 run before eventually expanding its lead to 17 with 2:20 remaining in the first half.

UCO kept control in the second half never allowing the Bulldogs to close ground. The Bronchos at one time led by 23 points before a late SWOSU flurry closed the final margin to 14.

Lonnie Cooks, SWOSU’s top scorer, was held to just 12 points on four-of-14 shooting.

The Bulldogs return home Saturday to face Northeastern State in an important matchup as they try and keep their hopes for a conference tournament berth alive. Tipoff for the men’s game is scheduled to be at 4 p.m. The game will be radio broadcast on KWEY 95.5 FM and on the internet by clicking on the “Listen Live” link on the SWOSU athletic homepage at www.swosu.edu/athletics.