Men Lose in Last Seconds
February 4, 2009
COMMERCE, Texas - The Southwestern Oklahoma State University men's basketball team had its way with Texas A&M-Commerce for the better part of 40 minutes before allowing the Lions to wiggle off the hook and pull out a stunning 70-69 victory Wednesday.
SWOSU dominated the Lions from the outset building a large lead at the beginning and carrying it deep into the second half. It wasn't until TAMC's Cardell Hunter's put back of a missed shot with just nine seconds to play before the Lions nosed ahead.
The disappointing loss left SWOSU at 13-8 overall and put them knotted with Commerce for second place in the Lone Star Conference North Division at 4-2. The same two teams will meet again Saturday in Weatherford where the Bulldogs will be most certainly looking for revenge.
Kenneth White had 27 points and Clarke Hale added 20 as the two combined for a dizzying long-distance shooting display that dazzled on-lookers and befuddled Commerce. White, who had 21 points in the first half, ended the game making six-of-15 shots from three-point distance. Hale for the second time this season was a perfect five-for-five from that same distance again tying his school record for three-point accuracy in a game. Combined SWOSU was a salty 53% from behind the arch making 13-of-24 attempts.
Deundrae Spraggins had 17 points to lead Commerce who improved to 13-8 with the win.
SWOSU had a 20-point lead just 12 minutes into the game when White hit a three bomb to put the Bulldogs up 31-11 with 8:32 to play. He connected again moments later to push the margin to 23 points at 34-21.
Commerce did awaken and trim the Bulldogs lead somewhat before the half ended going on a 15-4 run in the final six minutes. Still at the break, it was all SWOSU with the Bulldogs smartly holding a 39-29 advantage.
In the second half, SWOSU cooled from its red-hot start and allowed Commerce to creep back into the game. The Lions got within two points after a 13-4 run and was on SWOSU's heels at 46-45 with 12:09 to play. The Bulldogs repeatedly fought off the Lions as White, Hale and Kendall Smith all buried important three-point shots to keep SWOSU in front.
The Bulldogs had the ball with a 69-68 lead in the closing seconds before they were whistled for an offensive foul which gave the Lions one final chance. Spraggins misfired from three bu Hunter collected the shot and scored on the follow with nine seconds to play providing a bitter ending to what had appeared to be a promising outcome.