Bulldogs Gain LSC Berth, Beat Lions

March 24, 2006

Weatherford, OK - Southwestern Oklahoma State waited to the bitter end but managed to secure a Lone Star Conference Tournament berth thanks to an 80-70 victory over visiting Texas A&M-Commerce Saturday in Weatherford.

SWOSU’s (9-18, 6-6) win forced a three-way tie with TAMC and East Central for the final two tournament spots. The Bulldogs were awarded the North No. 3 seed by having the best combined record (3-1) against the teams that were tied. TAMC was awarded the No. 4 seed with a 2-2 record against ECU and SWOSU.

The win against TAMC kept the Bulldogs a perfect three-for-three in LSC Tournament appearances under coach Scott Reed. SWOSU’s first-round opponent will be at West Texas A&M on Tuesday at 8 p.m.

Reggie Gunn scored 25 points and Lonnie Cooks added 22 for the Bulldogs who carried a double-digit lead through much of the second half. SWOSU ended the game shooting 49% (25-of-51) while limiting the Lions to just 35% on 22-of-63 shots.

The Lions (16-11, 6-6) did threaten late as they chipped away at a 13-point deficit and drew within four points at 60-56 on a three-pointer by Jermart Miller with 5:04 to play. Miller, the North Division preseason player-of-the-year, led the Lions with 17 points but managed just five makes in 18 attempts.

The Bulldogs answered with T.J. Jackson hitting back-to-back three pointers to re-extend SWOSU’s lead back to double figures. His second three gave the Bulldogs a 66-56 lead with 4:18 to play.

SWOSU, who was led by Jon Gunn with 10 rebounds, out hustled the taller Lions on the boards by a 42-34 margin.