SWOSU Loses at Buzzer, 102-101

February 7, 2007

ADA – Southwestern Oklahoma State University fought through some periods of lethargic play but could not find enough in reserve as East Central University pulled out a stunning 102-101 overtime victory Wednesday in Ada.

ECU’s Jason Thomas sank a running one-hander with 0.8 seconds to play that provided the game’s winning points. The Bulldogs had one last opportunity to win but Nate Perry’s 20-footer bounced off the rim as time expired.

The loss, SWOSU’s fourth straight on the road in the LSC North, dropped the Bulldogs to 15-6 overall and 3-4 overall. ECU, losers of the first game against the Bulldogs, improved to 10-11 and 2-5 in the LSC North.

Thomas scored 35 points all of which were in the second half and overtime period.

The Bulldogs took their last lead when Othello Alford scored on a driving layup with 16 seconds to play to put SWOSU in the lead 101-100.

The game went into extra session tied at 87 after Thomas misfired on a 12-foot runner as the buzzer sounded.

SWOSU had 12-point lead multiple times in the second half the last of which came when Jose Garcia’s two free throws gave the Bulldogs a 77-65 lead with 7:13 to play. ECU then made a game behind the spectacular play of guard James Nave who finished with a career-best 38 points. The Tigers got within three points when Nave hit a runner in the lane to trim the Bulldogs margin to 79-76.

Southwestern Oklahoma State University had its moments in the first half taking an eight-point led on three different occasions, the last of which was when Mike Sampson hit a fast break jumper to make the score 41-33 at intermission.

The Bulldogs were led by Reggie Gunn with 20 points. His final bucket gave the Bulldogs a 93-89 lead in the extra period.
 
SWOSU will next play Saturday as they host Southeastern Oklahoma State University. Tipoff is set for 4 p.m. in Weatherford.

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