Late-Game Cole Spell Dooms SWOSU

February 22, 2006

Lawton, OK - Southwestern Oklahoma State watched a late-game lead come undone in the final few moments allowing Cameron to rally for a 68-61 win in men’s basketball action Monday in Lawton.

The loss dropped the Bulldogs to 8-18 overall and 5-6 in the Lone Star Conference North Division. Even with the disappointing setback, SWOSU can still qualify for the LSC post-season tournament with a victory over Texas A&M-Commerce Saturday at 3 p.m. in the final home game for the men.

Lonnie Cooks had 25 points including a flurry of three-pointers that appeared to put SWOSU into solid position late. Cooks hit back-to-back-to-back treys giving the Bulldogs a 55-49 lead with 8:55 to play.

SWOSU then began an unfortunate series of turnovers and missed shots as Cameron began to warm up late. The Aggies tied it at 59 all on a dunk by Marlon Bernard with 3:36 to play.

Jon Gunn swished a pair of three throws to put SWOSU ahead 61-59 with 3:12 to play. The Bulldogs missed their final four shots and went scoreless during the final three minutes as Cameron grabbed lead and pulled away at the end.

The Bulldogs stayed close in the topsy-turvy game shooting only 36% (21-of-58) from the field and turning the ball over 18 times. The lead was tied 12 different times and changed hands six others.

Cameron, which was led by Matt Reid with 17 points, improved to 12-14 overall and 2-9 in division play.