Bulldogs Tamed by SOSU, 93-79

February 10, 2007

Marcus Millender

WEATHERFORD – Southwestern Oklahoma State University chances of qualifying for post-season play took a step backwards as the Bulldogs were bottled up by an impressive Southeastern Oklahoma State University team by a score of 93-79.

SWOSU, owners of a 15-7 record overall, find themselves in a two-way tie with Cameron University for fourth-place in the Lone Star Conference North Division. Both Cameron and SWOSU are 3-5 in division play. The top four teams earn a berth in the LSC post-season tournament. Meanwhile, sixth-ranked Southeastern showed just how good they are improving to 20-2 overall and staying unbeaten in the LSC North at 8-0.

SOSU’s Jason Stampley and Kyric Rambo were the focal points of a three-point shooting display that left the Bulldogs bewildered and scratching their collective heads. Stampley finished with 23 points on six-of-11 three-point shooting while Rambo canned his first six trey attempts on his way to 20 points. The Savage Storm as a team made 14-of-22 shots from the three-point arch for a salty shooting percentage of 64%.

Ryan Mann

SWOSU was led by Nate Perry with 17 points, most of which came late, after the outcome was already decided.

SWOSU never led and trailed 40-30 entering the halftime break. The Bulldogs got no closer as SOSU opened the second half with a 17-5 run and were up by 22 points at 59-37 when Steve Harrel scored in transition. The Savage Storm lead grew to as many as 32 points when Stampley’s jumper gave them an 86-54 lead with 6:36 to play.

The Bulldogs did close with a flourish outscoring SOSU 25-7 in the game’s final moments thanks primarily to Clarke Hale getting hot from three-point range. Hale finished with 10 points and had two three’s late.

Marcus Millender added 12 points and Ryan Mann added 10 to complete the Bulldogs double figure scorers.

SWOSU made just 29-of-67 shots from the field for 44% while SOSU connected on 34-of-58 for 59%.

The Bulldogs will have a chance to better their postseason prospects with a victory Wednesday over visiting Central Oklahoma. Tipoff is set for 8 p.m. in Rankin Williams Fieldhouse.