WEATHERFORD – SWOSU Men's Basketball had to withstand a late second half comeback attempt from Northwestern on Thursday night, but ultimately got the job done for a fifth consecutive home win after defeating the Rangers 75-72.
The Dawgs saw a 10-point second half lead get turned to a one-point deficit with just over a minute to play in the game before executing on both ends of the floor to regain the lead and maintain it.
The win moves to 5-0 this season when scoring 75 points or more.
SWOSU trailed by just a bucket at halftime, 33-31, before a 9-0 run early in the second half opened up a 48-39 lead. Two minutes later, the lead was as big as the game saw, 54-44, with 11:39 to play. From there, the Rangers chipped away and things got tight late.
Northwestern dwindled the deficit to one point with 6:31 remaining but the Dawgs fought off a lead change for the next five minutes of game time with timely answers on offense. The lead finally changed hands with 1:14 to play after a small 6-0 run from the visitors – four of those points coming at the free throw line.
With momentum clearly shifted and SWOSU now trailing heading into the closing minute of the game, Ben Smith came up huge on the other end. He scored a basket and drew a foul for a three-point play, erupting the crowd to give the Dawgs the lead right back.
Now with just 55 seconds to play, leading 69-68, the defense shined down the stretch with an ensuring forced turnover and then one final stop after some missed throws allowed Northwestern one final chance. MJ Warrior knocked down four needed free throws to ice the game and SWOSU came away with the rivalry win.
In the game, SWOSU shot 54% overall after an efficient 13-for-21 shooting in the second half. SWOSU knocked down eight three pointers but did miss 13 free throws. (17-30, 57%)
It's the third time in four games the offense has been over the 50% mark shooting the basketball.
Northwestern finished at 46% shooting but was limited to 3-of-20 (15%) from beyond the arc on the night. Both teams turned the ball over 12 times.
Jalen Johnson matched his career with 20 points on 5-of-9 from deep. Ben Smith finished just under Johnson with 19. Mark Berry notched another double-double with 12 points and 10 rebounds. Alongside his timely free throws, MJ Warrior was one assist shy of matching his career best after dishing out seven dimes.
The Bulldogs, now 6-5 in GAC action, will turn around to host Oklahoma Baptist on Saturday at 3:00 pm. They will be looking to avenge a previous 63-52 loss to the Bison that came back on November 30 in Shawnee.
