SHAWNEE, Okla. – The SWOSU men's basketball team had two chances in the final seconds to try to send the game into overtime, but two missed three-pointers on back-to-back possessions gave Oklahoma Baptist their second win over the Dawgs this season, 83-77.
 
The first half was a high-powered offensive display by both teams. SWOSU scored 40 points, their highest in an opening half this season, to lead 40-34. Denali Alexander led the charge with 15 points on 5-7 shooting from the field. The game was closely contested throughout, with neither team leading by more than seven points. The Dawgs benefited from hot shooting, going 14-26 (53.8%) from the field and 6-12 (50%) from three-point range. SWOSU held OBU to 3-17 (17.6%) from three-point land, with all three makes coming from their leading scorer, Terry Coner Jr.
 
Inside the final 20 minutes, the game started to play out similarly to the previous matchup between these teams. Just like in the previous game, OBU extended a long run to control the game early in the final frame. In the first 10 minutes of the half, SWOSU was outscored 20-9, flipping the script of the game in favor of the home team.
 
The Dawgs found themselves down 75-68 with 2:24 remaining but slowly crept back into contention with clutch buckets and free throws. With under 30 seconds left, SWOSU had two opportunities to hit a three-pointer and tie the game after OBU missed their free frows, but both attempts fell short, setting the final score at 83-77.
 
SWOSU ended the game shooting 25-55 (45.5%) from the field and 11-27 (40.7%) from beyond the three-point line, with the 11 three-pointers being a conference high. OBU shot 28-54 (51.9%) from the field and 6-25 (24%) from three-point range. OBU went 21-32 from the free throw line, compared to SWOSU's 16-23. This marks the second consecutive game where a SWOSU opponent has shot 30+ free throws.
 
Alexander scored a career-high 23 points on 7-10 (70%) shooting to lead all scorers. Tobias Roland added 14 points and seven rebounds, while MJ Warrior and Eli Al-Debaran each scored 12 points, with Al-Debaran making four three-pointers.
 
SWOSU (8-9, 5-7 GAC) will now look to capitalize on an Arkansas road trip next week, starting with trying to complete the season sweep over Arkansas Tech on Thursday, Jan. 30, at 7:30 p.m.