Basketball Open With OCU

November 12, 2007

WEATHERFORD, Okla -- Southwestern Oklahoma State University will not be easing into its 2007-2008 men’s basketball schedule as the Bulldogs officially open the regular season Thursday, Nov. 15 against defending NAIA Champion Oklahoma City University. Tipoff is set for 7 p.m. at Rankin Williams Fieldhouse.

The Bulldogs, under second-year coach Todd Thurman, have lofty ambitions as the new season unfolds and are hopeful of even bettering last year’s 17-10 record. SWOSU has now twice tested a new-look team that features an added emphasis on strength and defense against exhibition opponents Northwestern Oklahoma State and Oral Roberts.

Newcomers Trevor Guy and Brandon Nichols have played well for the Bulldogs combining to average 14.5 points and 4.0 rebounds a game while veterans Clarke Hale and Nate Perry have picked up where they left off last year. Perry, a second-team Lone Star Conference North selection last year, averaged 15 points in the two games while Hale was next averaging 11.5 points.

OCU has already tested once this season against an LSC opponent, beating defending conference champion Midwestern State on the road by a score of 83-78. The Stars were led by 6-7 Rutgers transfer Ollie Bailey who had 24 points and 11 rebounds in the win.

Following the OCU game, SWOSU will next play at home Saturday, Feb. 17 against Fort Hays State. Tipoff is set for 3 p.m.