Men Fall at Finish

January 3, 2009

CANYON, Texas - Short-handed Southwestern Oklahoma State University put together a daring effort and nearly knocked off West Texas A&M University on its home court before the Buffs rallied for a 79-68 men's basketball victory Saturday in Canyon, Texas.

The Bulldogs, who were playing without starting guard Clarke Hale because of an injured ankle, still managed enough firepower to push the Buffs to the brink. SWOSU led 65-61 with 6:20 to play before West Texas A&M started the game's deciding rally.

The Buffs outscored SWOSU 16-0 over the next four minutes and had the game in hand when Nick Burns buried a three-pointer to put WT in front 77-65 with 2:15 to play. The disappointing finish did not diminish the courageous play of the Bulldogs.

Jose Garcia, who had a season-high 17 points, kept the Bulldogs close in the first half after a slow start. West Texas A&M opened with 16-3 lead and kept the Bulldogs without a field goal for the games first eight minutes.

Garcia then began to heat up and brought the Bulldogs back with a string of three-point shots. His three ball tied the game at 27-27 with 3:49 to play. Garcia scored 13 of his 17 points in the first half.

Kenneth White was the star for SWOSU in the second half. White, who ended with a game-high 30 points, had 21 points in the final 20 minutes. His inspired play not only allowed the Bulldogs to catch the Buffs but pull ahead. White made a pair of free throws with 12:05 to play to give SWOSU its biggest lead at 52-45.

SWOSU remained in control and kept a comfortable lead. Garcia's free throw at the 6:20 mark put the Bulldogs in front 65-61 before the critical cold spell.

The loss dropped SWOSU to 8-4 and puts them in need of a victory over its next opponent, Eastern New Mexico University, if they hope to be among the region's top ranked basketball teams when the first ranking comes out in a few weeks.

SWOSU will next play at home Thursday against Tarleton State University. The game will feature a special matinee tipoff with the men's game to start at 4 p.m.