WEATHERFORD – SWOSU Men's Basketball built a commanding lead early and held on down the stretch to earn a 64-60 victory over Arkansas Tech on Thursday night inside the Pioneer Event Center.
 
The Bulldogs appeared in full control midway through the second half, leading by as many as 23 points, before Arkansas Tech mounted a furious comeback that cut the margin to one possession in the closing minute. SWOSU answered with timely execution late, securing the win with one final defensive stop and key free throws.
 
SWOSU's defense set the tone early, forcing 10 Arkansas Tech turnovers in the first half while committing just one of its own. The Wonder Boys struggled mightily to score, managing just 4-of-20 shooting in the opening half. Arkansas Tech did not score its first point until under 12 minutes remained in the half and did not reach double figures until fewer than three minutes remained. The Bulldogs led 25-5 with 3:40 to play in the half and carried a 30-14 advantage into the break.
 
The Bulldogs continued to control the game early in the second half and pushed the lead to 23, but the momentum began to shift as turnovers and hot shooting from Tech fueled a comeback. Arkansas Tech rattled off a 17-3 run to pull within 59-57 with 1:34 remaining, then trimmed the margin to 61-60 in the final minute after knocking down a three-pointer.
 
SWOSU responded on the ensuing possession, grabbing a crucial offensive rebound before being fouled, allowing the Bulldogs to knock down free throws and regain breathing room. Arkansas Tech's final opportunity to tie the game came up empty, and SWOSU secured one last defensive stop to seal the win.
 
SWOSU finished the game shooting 37.5% from the field, 6-of-21 from three-point range, and 22-of-30 at the free-throw line. Arkansas Tech erased its first-half struggles by shooting 61% in the second half and finished 9-of-19 from beyond the arc. During its late rally, the Wonder Boys knocked down seven of eight three-point attempts. Tech also went 15-of-19 at the foul line.
 
The Bulldogs finished with 12 turnovers — 11 of them in the second half — compared to 18 by Arkansas Tech. SWOSU held a narrow edge on the glass, outrebounding the Wonder Boys 30-29, including seven offensive rebounds that led to a 7-1 advantage in second-chance points.
 
Freshman Walker Kennedy led SWOSU with 11 points, knocking down both of his three-point attempts. Spencer Musgrove added 10 points as the Bulldogs' other double-figure scorer.
 
The win improves SWOSU to 7-11 overall and 4-8 in Great American Conference play. The Bulldogs will remain at home Saturday when Harding visits Weatherford for a 3:00 p.m. tipoff.