Unbeaten Bulldogs to Face OSU

December 22, 2006

WEATHERFORD – Southwestern Oklahoma State University will showcase its unbeaten men’s basketball team in front of statewide audience as the Bulldogs meet powerful Oklahoma State University in Stillwater’s historic Gallagher-Iba Arena Tuesday, Jan. 2. Tipoff is set for 7 p.m.

The Bulldogs and new coach Todd Thurman were extended the opportunity to play OSU earlier this summer by Cowboy head coach Sean Sutton.

The meeting between the Bulldogs and OSU is the first in nearly 70 years. The two teams, then called Oklahoma A&M and Southwestern Teachers College, last met in 1939 with the Cowboys winning 33-16.

“This is a great opportunity for our program both financially and with the publicity that comes from playing OSU,” Thurman said. “I know our players and fans have been talking about it ever since the schedule came out. These types of games don’t happen very often so we certainly want to put up a good show.”

SWOSU fans and alumni planning on attending the game can mix and mingle before tipoff with other Bulldogs followers at Hideaway Pizza (230 S. Knoblock). The restaurant is offering a special to all SWOSU fans of an all-you-can-eat pizza buffet and drink for $6.75. The event will be in the restaurant’s banquet room and will be from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

The Cowboys have played two other state schools -- Southeastern Oklahoma in 2003 and Northwestern Oklahoma in 2004 -- as part of a rotating schedule that benefits smaller programs with a large financial payout.

A limited number of tickets still remain by calling the OSU Athletic Ticket Office at 405-744-4745.