Women Lose to SOSU, 70-62

February 18, 2009

WEATHERFORD, Okla. - Shorthanded Southwestern Oklahoma State University showed a lot of grit and courage battling Southeastern Oklahoma State University on even terms before losing  70-62 in a women's basketball game Wednesday.

The Bulldogs, who had five regulars serving one-game suspensions, had the game even entering the last two minutes. Weatherford's Courtney Harper tied the game at 59-59 with a driving layup with 1:59 to play. Harper had a season high 18 points and 10 rebounds to lead SWOSU in both categories.

SOSU then scored the next seven consecutive points and were back in charge at 66-59 when Kacey Russell connected on two free throws with 32 seconds to play.

Harper would score again to pull SWOSU to within five at 66-61 with 17 seconds to play, but that would be the end of the Bulldogs scoring.

Jennifer DeGarmo added 14 points and Shanessa Smith scored 13 for the Bulldogs who dropped to 7-17 overall and 3-8 in Lone Star Conference North Division play. SOSU, which was led by Destiny Brown with 18 points, improved to 18-6 and 9-2 with the win.

SWOSU ended the game shooting 33% making just 20-of-61 attempts. Southeastern shot better making 42% making 23-of-55 attempts. The Bulldogs stayed close by making 81% of their free throws on 17-of-21 attempts and forced the Savage Storm into four more turnovers.

SWOSU will next play Saturday at East Central University. Tipoff is set for 2 p.m. in Ada.