Women Extend Buffs in Loss

January 12, 2008

WEATHERFORD, Okla. – Southwestern Oklahoma State University showed just how far its women’s basketball team has come this year taking nationally-ranked West Texas A&M into overtime before succumbing, 68-61.

The Bulldogs battled the Buffs step-for-step and had their best chance yet at ending what has grown to a 12-game losing streak against their conference rivals. SWOSU fell to 8-6 following the loss while the No. 25 Lady Buffs improved to 10-3 on the year.

The game was tied on 13 occasions and the lead changed hands 11 times in the see-saw battle. SWOSU’s came within an eyelash of the upset when Allie Burdan drove the length of the court and got free but missed a running eight-footer as time expired sending the game into overtime.

WTAMU’s All-American Emily Brister took charge from that point. Brister, who entered the game averaging 23 points, finished with 21 points, 12 of which game in the final four minutes of overtime.

SWOSU rode the shoulders of rugged freshman Lucy Ramon for the bulk of the contest as she finished with a career-best 24 points. Ramon was often double and tripled team but still found ways to score against a variety of WTAMU defenders.

Grace Anne Fath was the only other SWOSU player in double figures. She finished with 11 points.

The Bulldogs cooled considerably in the second half shooting the ball after making nearly half of their attempts in the first half. SWOSU shot 48% (12-of-25) in the first 20 minutes only to miss 17-of-22 shots in the second half for a 23% rate.

Still while the Bulldogs struggled offensively they remained in the game with an aggressive defense that limited the Buffs to just 40% shooting and forced them into 18 turnovers.

WTAMU was helped by making 23-of-24 free throws as a team for a remarkable 96%. SWOSU had nearly the same attempts (23) but make only 14 for 61%.

SWOSU will next play at home Monday against Rhema Bile College. Tipoff is set for 6 p.m. at Rankin Williams Fieldhouse.