WEATHERFORD, Okla. – In a tight game throughout, SWOSU Men's Basketball could not find a way to overtake Henderson State and fell 82-76 on Thursday night inside the Pioneer Cellular Event Center.

The matchup was closely contested throughout with 13 lead changes and seven ties. The Dawgs trailed 32-31 at halftime and led by six points with just over 15 minutes left to play in the second half before the Reddies used an 8-0 run to regain the lead just three minutes later.

The two battled in the middle stages of the second half before Henderson State again used another late run to edge in front for good with a 12-3 run that stretched into the final two minutes.

The defense was active all night in what proved to be a physical game. SWOSU forced 22 turnovers, the third highest number this season, but committed 17 themselves.

Final numbers showed the Dawgs at 41% shooting while the Reddies finished at 52%. SWOSU did improve upon a 36% rate in the opening half, while HSU was steady with above 50% marks in both.  

Four Bulldogs finished in double figures, led by Ben Smith's 17. Kamden Gipson added 12 and a team best five assists. He inches closer to surpassing Damion Thornton as the program's Division II era leading scorer. He now needs 19 points to do so.

The loss drops SWOSU to 10-12 and 6-10 in league play. The Dawgs will welcome Ouachita on Saturday for a 3pm contest.