Men Put Scare into Texas Tech
November 3, 2011
Southwestern Oklahoma State University battles NCAA heavyweight on even terms before falling in the closing seconds, 76-70.
Chase Elliott brings the ball up court against Texas Tech
LUBBOCK, Texas – Southwestern Oklahoma State University staggered NCAA Division I heavyweight Texas Tech early and kept the Red Raiders off balance for a lengthy stretch before bowing 76-70 in an exhibition basketball game in Lubbock, Texas.
The Bulldogs got 24 points from Marin Zelalija including a clutch four-point play with 19 seconds to play that got SWOSU to within two points at 72-70. The Croatian native was eight-of-13 from the field, including making a team-best five three-pointers.
SWOSU had two opportunities to either tie the game or take the lead after twice forcing the Red Raiders into turnovers in the closing seconds. However, SWOSU was unable to inbound the ball in five-seconds and then later turned the ball over in the front court with 12 seconds to play. Tech finished by making four free throws in the final 10 seconds for the game’s final margin.
Bulldog coach Charlie Schaef, who is a graduate of Texas Tech, was pleased with how his Bulldogs played as he explained on the KWEY post-game radio show with broadcaster John Liddle.
“We had a shot, it was just one of those things,” Schaef said. “We had some opportunities but came up short. It was a great environment, great place to play. We’re thankful for (Texas Tech) coach Billy Gillispie bringing us down for this game.”
The Bulldogs led from the start and took a 35-31 lead into the halftime break. SWOSU carried the advantage until Tech tied it at 50-50 at the 12-minute mark on a layup by Jaron Nash.
Tech, which ended the game making 55% of its shots, was led in scoring by Javarez Willis with 22 points.
The Bulldogs relied on their solid defensive pressure to help offset what was a poor night shooting. SWOSU made just 19-of-60 attempts from the field for 32%. The Bulldogs did force Texas Tech into 28 turnovers.
SWOSU also got double figure scoring by Thomas Davis who scored 14 of his 16 points in the first half. Filip Toric added 11.
Texas Tech outrebounded SWOSU, 35-32. Chase Elliott led the Bulldogs in that category with nine.
SWOSU will begin its season on Friday at home against Lincoln University. Tipoff is set for 7:30 p.m.
