Men Tamed By Lions

February 20, 2008

COMMERCE, Texas – Southwestern Oklahoma State University tried hard but were unable to keep pace with hot-shooting Texas A&M-Commerce, losing 86-75 in a men’s basketball game Wednesday on the road.

Though the loss stung, the damage was minimal as Lone Star Conference North division leader Central Oklahoma also went down in defeat, losing 75-68 at Northeastern State. SWOSU (20-5) can still claim at least a share of the LSC North title with victories in its final two games, which include a home matchup against UCO on Wednesday, Feb. 27.

Against Commerce, SWOSU had the game tied at 44 all before the Lions went on a 10-0 run to take control at 54-44 with 12 minutes to play. TAMC built the lead to 14 points at 64-50 before SWOSU began to chip away.

Kendall Smith hit a series of three-pointers and brought the Bulldogs to within four at 66-62 with 5:00 to play. Smith finished with 17 points and was five-of-seven from the arch.

Commerce then regrouped behind the LSC’s leading scorer Scooby Johnson and kept the Bulldogs from climbing closer. Johnson ended the game with 30 points and 10 rebounds.

SWOSU was led by Trevor Guy who finished with 20 points. Nate Perry had his fifth double-double of the season with 12 points and 12 rebounds for the Bulldogs.

Commerce put up 50 points in the second half as they made 68% of their shots on 19-of-28 attempts. The Lions ended the game making on 33-of-57 attempts.

SWOSU made just 41% on 24-of-59 attempts. The Bulldogs stayed close for a while thanks to their marksmanship from three-point distance. SWOSU tied its season high of three-pointers made with 12.