WEATHERFORD – SWOSU Men's Basketball pushed league-leading (rv) Ouachita Baptist into the final minute Saturday afternoon but came up short in a 61-56 loss to the Tigers in Weatherford.
 
The game was tied with 1:06 remaining and SWOSU in possession, but Ouachita finished strong down the stretch to remain unbeaten in Great American Conference play. The loss also closed out a three-game homestand for the Bulldogs.
 
The first half unfolded in a methodical, defensive-minded pace. SWOSU built its largest lead at 22-16 with 4:17 remaining before Ouachita responded with an 11-0 run to swing momentum. The Tigers were held to just 7-of-21 shooting early by the Bulldog defense but closed the half making five of their final six shots to take a 29-26 lead into the break. SWOSU shot 37% from the field in the opening half.
 
Ouachita used another run midway through the second half to create separation. With SWOSU leading 39-38, the Tigers rattled off a spurt to extend the margin to 48-39 and pushed their advantage to 51-41 with 7:50 remaining. The Bulldogs answered with an 8-0 run to climb back into the game and eventually regained the lead on a Kray Rogers three-pointer with 2:44 to play.
 
The teams traded possessions down the stretch and were tied 56-56 following a timeout with 1:06 remaining. SWOSU was unable to capitalize on its offensive possession, and Ouachita followed with an and-one layup to regain control. The lead did not change hands again as the Tigers closed out the final seconds at the free-throw line.
 
SWOSU shot 40% from the field, but struggled from beyond the arc, finishing 4-of-19 from three-point range. The Bulldogs were efficient at the foul line, going 14-of-16. Ouachita shot 43% overall, went 3-of-14 (21%) from deep, and finished 12-of-18 at the stripe. Turnovers proved costly for SWOSU, as the Bulldogs committed 18 giveaways — matching a season high — and the Tigers converted them into 21 points.
 
Kayden Carter led a balanced offensive effort for SWOSU with 11 points, three assists, and two steals. Tobias Roland, Ty Frierson, and Tucker Shepherd each added nine points.
 
SWOSU (5-9, 2-6 GAC) will hit the road next week to face Southern Arkansas and Arkansas-Monticello.