Unbeaten SWOSU Faces MSSU Test

December 14, 2006

WEATHERFORD – Southwestern Oklahoma State University will put its unbeaten 8-0 record on the line when the Bulldogs host Missouri Southern State in a men’s basketball game Saturday at 2 p.m.

The Bulldogs, one of only two unbeaten teams remaining in the Lone Star Conference, will likely have their hands full with the 5-4 Lions. MSSU has already knocked off two LSC schools this year, defeating West Texas A&M and Northeastern State at home.

MSSU beat SWOSU last year 67-53 in Joplin, Mo., in the only matchup between the two schools.

“They have a lot of size,” first-year SWOSU coach Todd Thurman said. “It will be important for us to limit their offensive rebounds and do a good job blocking out. Tempo, again, will be important. They’re more of a possession-oriented team while we like to push the ball and look for early opportunities.”

Thurman’s squad has used its fast-break offense to great success through the season’s first eight games. The Bulldogs lead the LSC in scoring averaging 88.8 points per game and scored 114 points in their last outing against Midwestern State.

SWOSU has spread the scoring load around with no fewer than five different players taking top honors in the eight games this year. Newcomer Clarke Hale is the leading scorer averaging 14.4 points per game and has twice led the Bulldogs in scoring

Four other players, Reggie Gunn, Nate Perry, Marcus Millender and Jose Garcia, are averaging better than double figures in scoring and each have had spectacular games at one point or another.

SWOSU will play one more home game before concluding the first semester of play. The Bulldogs will take on Southwest Christian Wednesday, Dec. 20 at 8 p.m.

The Bulldogs begin second semester play against unbeaten and nationally-ranked Oklahoma State University on Tuesday, Jan. 2. Tipoff is at 7 p.m. in Stillwater at historic Gallagher-Iba Arena. A limited number of tickets still are available for the OSU game by calling 580-774-3068.