SWOSU Bows To WTAM, Ends Season

February 22, 2006

Canyon, TX - Southwestern Oklahoma State gave a determined effort but watched West Texas A&M steadily pull away for a 84-70 win in the first round of the Lone Star Conference Men's Basketball Tournament. The tournament loss ended the season for the Bulldogs at 9-19.

Lonnie Cooks and Reggie Gunn, SWOSU’s top scorers throughout the year, again carried the Bulldogs offensively much of the night. Cooks and Gunn each finished with 15 points but were a combined nine-of-24 (38%) from the floor.

WTAM (21-7) was led by Damien Lolar with 25 points and 10 rebounds. The Buffs advance to the semifinals where they will play Southeastern Oklahoma State.

SWOSU played well early and maintained a small lead during the first half. The Bulldogs led by as many as nine points (29-20) before the Buffs drew even at halftime tying the score at 31-all.

The game remained tight in the second half. Cooks scored with 11:09 to play on a driving layup to bring the Bulldogs within two at 50-48. WTAM then went on a 14-5 run. Lolar’s three-point play put the Buffs comfortably ahead for good at 64-53 with 7:07 to play.

Joining Cooks and Gunn in double figure scoring was McKinley Bethea with 13 and Jon Gunn with 11.

SWOSU ended the game making 24-of-57 (42%) from the field while WTAM was an even 50% dropping 28-of-56 shot attempts.