WEATHERFORD, Okla. – In a grind-it-out game nearly the entire way through, Oklahoma Baptist distanced themselves in the second part of the second half and went on to win 91-73 – spoiling the Bulldogs conference opener at home in the process.

It was a long, 18-3 run that began at the 8:05 mark of the second half that took the wind out of SWOSU's sails. Prior to that, the game had featured 14 lead changes and three ties in a true back-and-forth, possession-by-possession matchup.

SWOSU trailed 41-37 at halftime and things looked to be following the same trend as the second half played out. The Dawgs had a lead, 53-52, at the 13:23 mark but it would be their final positive margin of the game.

OBU began to distance themselves – first slowly, as the deficit hovered between 3-6 points – and finally drastically after they delivered the final knockout blow with the big run.

The Bison's Paul King gave the Dawgs fits all night on offense. He entered the game as the GAC's third leading scorer at over 20 points per game and finished with 36 on the night.

For the Dawgs, Victor Irhirhi led the way with 17 points. That ties a career best for him. Ben Smith added 15 points, followed by Kamden Gipson with 10 and nine assists – one shy of his career best.

The GAC's top three-point shooting team (in makes) knocked down 11 more on Thursday and finished 11-for-32 (34%) from deep.

SWOSU had a quality game on the offensive side, finishing at nearly 43% shooting as a team. However, it was overshadowed by an Oklahoma Baptist team who shot a scorching 60% in both halves.

Both teams had trouble taking care of the ball, but the Dawgs lost the turnover battle 21-17. They did take an edge in rebounding though, 35-21.

There won't be much time to rest, as the Bulldogs hit the road to take on Southeastern on Saturday. It will be the first GAC road game of the season. Tipoff for that contest will come at 3pm in Durant.