SWOSU Takes Down Washburn

November 28, 2008

EDMOND, Okla. – Southwestern Oklahoma State University continued to build on its growing reputation for toughness and grit as the Bulldogs emerged from a rugged physical game with Washburn University as a 105-99 overtime winner. The game was played in Edmond as part of the University of Central Oklahoma Classic.

SWOSU (4-0) will next play Saturday against Langston University in the same classic on the UCO campus. Tipoff is set for 6 p.m.

Kenneth White had 34 points and helped the Bulldogs as they began to assert themselves after a tentative start. White hit a string of three pointers to open the second half as the Bulldogs built what would be a 54-43 lead with 17:30 to play.

SWOSU found itself down 13-4 at the start but eventually began to settle down. The Bulldogs had the game tied at 15-15 and took a 43-41 lead at the break.

After White’s flurry, SWOSU kept a comfortable cushion deep in the second half. Kendall Smith drained a three pointer to put the Bulldogs ahead 78-67 with 8:16 to play.

Smith finished the game with 17 points and was part of a three-point shooting showcase that saw the Bulldogs drain 15 treys from long distance. Clarke Hale had 19 points, including three from long distance.

The Bulldogs needed each of three-point bombs to counter a decided disadvantage inside. Washburn had more than double SWOSU’s rebound total pulling down 54 boards to the Bulldogs 25.

Again, it was SWOSU’s defense that came to its rescue. SWOSU forced Washburn into 33 turnovers while committing just 22 of their own. Abdullah Lawal was again a menace coming away with seven steals.

Washburn (3-1) began to rally late behind the play of Darnell Kimble who scored a team-high 29 points. Kimble and his teammates drew even at 88 at the 1:32 mark. Neither team scored in regulation from that point and went into overtime tied at 88.

SWOSU’s Jerard Campbell scored the first basket in overtime and the Bulldogs never looked back.

White put the final dagger into the Ichabods with his sixth trey of the game to put SWOSU ahead 100-92 with 1:07 to play in overtime.