Bulldogs Keep Rolling, Beat ACU

January 11, 2007

Reggie Gunn

WEATHERFORD – Southwestern Oklahoma State University fought through some periods of lethargic play but still had enough energy in the tank to put away Abilene Christian University, 91-84, in men’s basketball action Thursday.

Reggie Gunn had 24 points and Nate Perry added 16 for the Bulldogs who improved to 12-2 overall with the win. The Bulldogs could not shake the pesky Wildcats until late as ACU came within four points with just over a minute to play.

SWOSU misfired on two of six free throws in the game’s final minute but still managed to protect its lead by coming away with the offensive rebound on two separate occasions. Marcus Millender and Mike Sampson each came up with big offensive rebounds for the Bulldogs during that time.

The Bulldogs were up by as many as 14 points just before half before settling for a 48-39 cushion going into the locker room. The lead hovered around 10 points until the Wildcats put together a late-game charge behind Cortnie Ross who had 11 of his 13 points in the second half.

Othello Alford

SWOSU also got double figure scoring by Othello Alford who scored on 14 points and was a perfect four-for-four from the field. Millender added 12 points for SWOSU.

SWOSU cooled its shooting considerably in the second half making just 11-of-33 (33%) shots after scoriching the nets at a much higher clip (20-of-34, 59%) in the second half. For the game, the Bulldogs ended below their season average making just 31-of-67 shots for 46%.

ACU, which fell to 9-5, had five more rebounds and made 30-of-53 (57%) of its shots. One telling stat was the Bulldogs forced ACU into 24 turnovers scoring 33 points off them. The Bulldogs meanwhile did a much better job protecting the ball turning it over only 12 times which resulted in just six ACU points.

SWOSU’s next game is scheduled Saturday at home against Angelo State University at 8 p.m. weather permitting.