Bulldogs Fizzle at Finish, Lose 88-77

January 5, 2007

KINGSVILLE, Texas – Southwestern Oklahoma State University was unable to carry its high-level of play for a full 40 minutes and watched as Texas A&M-Kingsville stayed close then pulled away for an 88-77 victory in men’s basketball action Thursday in Kingsville, Texas.

The Bulldogs, who entered the game with a 10-1 record and ranked as the No. 18 team in NCAA Division II, put together a dominating first half and nearly overran the Javelinas. Eric Payne came off the bench and scored seven points in an 18-1 run that allowed the Bulldogs to pull ahead 35-19 with 6:16 to play before the break.

The Javelinas, owners of an 11-1 record after the win, did manage to slice into the lead trimming it back to seven at 39-32 at halftime.

The second half SWOSU carried a small lead and had its last advantage when Clarke Hale knocked down a short jumper to make it 71-69 with 5:40 to play. Then it all began to unravel for the Bulldogs. During the next five minutes, SWOSU missed its next seven shots and clanked five of six free throw attempts.

The Javelinas took advantage. Ricky Huckaby, who topped the TAMUK with 21 points, led an 18-4 run over the five-minute span and what used to be a slim SWOSU lead was now a 12-point bulge for the home team.

Nate Perry had 23 points and 12 rebounds to lead SWOSU in both categories. It was the third time this year that he reached double figures in points and rebounds in the same game. Reggie Gunn was next with 17 points but struggled from the line making just one of six attempts.

SWOSU again was whistled for the bulk of the fouls with 31 infractions compared to Kingsville’s 20. One player fouled out and five others carried four fouls by the time the game had ended. SWOSU sent the Javelinas to the line 37 times where they made 21 attempts. The Bulldogs were just eight-of-18 for 44%.

The opponent will not be any easier in the next outing as the Bulldogs will welcome the 13th ranked and two-time NCAA Division II semifinalist Tarleton State to Weatherford Saturday. Tipoff for the single men’s game is at 7 p.m.