Bulldogs Rally Stalls Against UCO, 83-77

January 24, 2007

EDMOND – Southwestern Oklahoma State University put forward a determined effort  but fell short against a much taller and more physical University of Central Oklahoma team losing 83-77 in Edmond Wednesday.

The loss which was the second straight for the Bulldogs dropped their record to 13-4 on the year and 1-2 in the LSC North. UCO improved to 12-4 and 2-0 in the LSC North.

SWOSU staged a heroic comeback in the final minutes erasing what had been a 15-point Broncho lead down to three points. Ryan Mann scored on a runner in the lane to trim UCO’s lead to 80-77 with 36 seconds to play.

The Bulldogs had one final chance but Clarke Hale misfired on a three-point attempt with 22 seconds to play and the Bronchos secured the rebound and ran out the clock.

Mann led SWOSU with 14 points followed by Jose Garcia with 12 and Marcus Millender with 10 points completed the double figure scorers. 

UCO’s All-American duo of Anthony Brown and Sam Belt were able to match their season scoring averages. Brown had 22 points while Belt added 17 points.

SWOSU made 28-of-60 shots from the field for 47% while UCO was a sizzling 57% connecting on 31-of-54 shots. The Bronchos were especially effective in the second half when they made 13-of-20 shots for 65%, most of which were from close range.

SWOSU pulled down 10 fewer rebounds but came back thanks to forcing 27 turnovers by their full court press. The Bulldogs were not much better handling the ball coughing it up 23 times.

The Bulldogs will next play at home Saturday against Northeastern State University. Tipoff is set for 4 p.m. in Weatherford.