Box Score (html)
WEATHERFORD, Okla. – SWOSU scored the opening basket of the game, but would not lead again as Henderson State handed the Bulldogs their first conference defeat of the season on Thursday night at the Pioneer Cellular Event Center.
Henderson State was efficient offensively, shooting 47.8% from the field and 42.1% from three-point range as their ball movement kept the Bulldogs off balance all night. The Reddies assisted on 22 of their 32 made baskets in the game, helping them build a lead of 16 in the first half and 28 late in the game.
SWOSU tied a season-high with 17 turnovers and shot just 34% from the field, connecting on just 5-of-23 (21.7%) of their long range attempts.
Martell Collins and
Markeise Champion scored 12 points apiece to lead the team, but they need 14 and 11 field goal attempts, respectively, to reach their scoring total.
Ayo Ojo was more efficient offensively, scoring 10 points on 4-of-6 shooting while also grabbing six rebounds, but it was not nearly enough on Thursday evening.
The Bulldogs fall to 8-3 on the year and they remain in a tie for first-place in the conference standings at 4-1 in league play. SWOSU's next foe will be the reigning Great American Conference champions, Ouachita Baptist, who will be seeking revenge after the Bulldogs upset the Tigers in the first round of the 2015 GAC Tournament last March in Bartlesville. Tipoff from the Pioneer Cellular Event Center will be at 3:00 pm on Saturday afternoon.
