Men Fall Short Against Henderson
January 5, 2012
Southwestern Oklahoma State University stages last-minute rally only to fall short in the final seconds, 86-80, to Henderson State in the GAC opener for both schools.
ARKADELPHIA, ARK – Southwestern Oklahoma State University first foray into Great American Conference play ended in disappointment as a last-minute scramble came up short with a 86-80 loss at Henderson State University Thursday in Arkadelphia, Ark.
The loss ended what had been a four-game winning streak for SWOSU and dropped the Bulldogs overall record to 8-2 on the year and 0-1 in GAC play. Henderson State improved to 6-5 with the win and 1-0 in the league.
SWOSU put forward a determined effort digging out of a 16-point hole over the game’s final four minutes and forced the Reddies to work hard until the final buzzer.
Thomas Davis had 19 points to lead SWOSU and it was his play that brought the Bulldogs back. Trailing 77-61 with 4:20 to play, Davis scored six consecutive points to trim the Reddies lead to 10 points.
The margin dwindled further when Zac Howe drilled a three-pointer with 1:24 to play. Henderson’s lead was now 80-74. The Bulldogs were not done. Chase Elliott then got loose inside for a short jumper and SWOSU was within four at 80-76 with 1:05 to play.
The Bulldogs were then forced to foul and Henderson made frequent visits to the free throw line in the closing seconds to keep its lead.
Joining Davis in double figure scoring for SWOSU was Ryan Donahoe with 15 points. Elliott also added 12 and Howe chipped in with 10.
Henderson was led by Jonathan Fitzgerald who had a game-high 25 points.
SWOSU ended the game making just over 39% of its shots from the field on 27-of-69 attempts. The Bulldogs were nine-of-31 for 29% from three-point distance and 17-of-23 for 74% from the line.
Henderson made 51% of their attempts and enjoyed a considerable advantage at the foul line. The Reddies made 50 visits to the stripe where they made 39, 16 more than SWOSU attempted.
SWOSU will remain in Arkadelphia where it will next play Saturday afternoon against Ouachita Baptist. Tipoff is set for 4 p.m.
