WEATHERFORD, Okla. – SWOSU Men's Basketball secured its first win of the season, defeating Missouri Southern 76-69 in the GAC/MIAA Challenge finale, led by senior Eli Al-Debaran's career performance.
 
The Bulldogs overcame a hot-shooting Lions team that posted 58% field goal and three-point percentages in the first half. SWOSU countered with 55% shooting but struggled from beyond the arc (1-9, 11%). They capitalized on six Lions turnovers for six points.
 
Trailing 40-31 with 2:11 left in the first half, SWOSU went on a decisive 21-7 run spanning eight minutes across both halves, taking a 52-47 lead. They maintained this advantage for the remainder.
 
With 5:57 remaining, Tobias Roland's jumper gave SWOSU an eight-point cushion. Despite not scoring another field goal, elite free throw shooting (11-13 down the stretch, 21-24 overall) sealed the win.
 
Al-Debaran dominated with 27 points (6-11 FG, 13-14 FT) -- his highest total as a Bulldog -- while adding four rebounds, two steals, and a block. Tobias Roland (16 points, 6-9 FG) and MJ Warrior (13 points, +12 plus/minus) also contributed double-digit scores.
 
SWOSU shot 49% from the field and 29% from three-point range, while MSSU posted 44% and 30% respectively. The Lions struggled from beyond the arc in the second half, going 1-15. SWOSU held a significant edge at the free throw line, converting 21-24 attempts compared to MSSU's 5-21.
 
This victory marks Coach Weiberg's first non-conference win in his second season.
 
The Bulldogs return home to host Oklahoma Christian at the PEC on Wednesday, November 13th, at 7:00 pm in the home opener.