Men Knock Off UCO, 76-70
November 15, 2011
Southwestern Oklahoma State University improves to 3-0 on the season as they win at Central Oklahoma for the first time since 2005.
Chase Elliott heads for the basket against UCO.
EDMOND, Okla. – Southwestern Oklahoma State University showed its grit and resolve holding off Central Oklahoma for a hard-fought 76-70 win in a men’s basketball game Tuesday in Edmond. The victory improved the Bulldogs to 3-0 on the season where they will return home to face a tough Dallas Baptist team Monday in Weatherford.
Marin Zelalija scored 17 points and Thomas Davis added 16 for the Bulldogs who celebrated their first victory over the Bronchos in Edmond since 2005.
SWOSU coach Charlie Schaef was very proud of his team’s performance and passed considerable praise to several.
“This is a tough place to play. They have a great basketball environment here,” Schaef said. “I thought our guys really responded, including our bench. We were in a lot of foul trouble late in the first half and they came on and really held us up when we needed them.”
UCO, which entered the game ranked 11th in the NCAA Division II poll, falls to 2-1. The Bronchos were led in scoring by Shane Carroll with 15 points.
SWOSU ended the game making 24-of-53 shot attempts for 46%, including nine-of-25 from three-point distance. The Bulldogs blanketed the Bronchos with a smothering defense. UCO made just 37% of its shots on 19-of-51 attempts, including making just three-of-19 from three-point distance.
A total of 61 fouls were called and five players fouled out. SWOSU made 19 of its 31 visits to the free throw line for 61% while UCO was 29-of-37 for 78%.
SWOSU used an 18-5 run midway through the second half to break open a game that was tied at 35-35. Ryan Donahoe had several baskets and Thomas Davis ended the run with an emphatic slam that put the Bulldogs up 53-40 with 10:08 to play.
UCO got to within two points later but each SWOSU responded with big baskets of their own. Chase Elliott made some key points down the stretch and the Bulldogs delivered from the foul line.
