Bronchos Better Bulldogs

February 6, 2008

EDMOND, Okla. – Southwestern Oklahoma State University did not easily give up the top spot in the Lone Star Conference North Division and gave co-leader Central Oklahoma a feisty battle before eventually losing, 83-72.

The loss dropped the ninth-ranked Bulldogs to 17-4 overall and 5-1 in the LSC North. UCO won its eighth straight and improved to 17-4 overall while remaining unbeaten in the division at 6-0.

Nate Perry had 21 points and Clarke Hale added 15 points for the Bulldogs who lost for the first time in six games.

Sam Belt had 21 points and Lance Harper had 20 for the Bronchos who won for the 13th straight time at home.

The Bronchos controlled much of the game thanks to their steady shooting. UCO built a 31-24 when Harper made a layup with 6:17 to play and were up by as many as 10 before SWOSU made a late run at the halftime buzzer.

Tanner Hazelbaker scored on a nifty crossover move with three seconds left that brought the Bulldogs to within two at the break, 37-35.

The Bronchos had the lead pushed back to 10 seven minutes into the second half when Belt knocked down a three-pointer, giving UCO a 51-41 lead with 13:25 to play.

SWOSU would not get closer than nine points the rest of the way.

The Bulldogs managed to make just 39% of their shots making 26-of-65 attempts while UCO was making 53% of their shots on 29-of-55 attempts. SWOSU hit just five-of-31 three-point attempts for 16%.

SWOSU will next play Saturday at LSC North rival East Central University. Tipoff is set for 4 p.m. in Ada.