OBU Edged Out Late by No. 25 SWOSU

SHAWNEE – The Oklahoma Baptist women's basketball team came up just short to nationally-ranked Southwestern Oklahoma State in a Saturday afternoon game, falling 85-79 to the No. 25 Lady Bulldogs. The Bison played strong through three quarters, taking a 67-63 into the fourth. SWOSU, however, pulled off a 10-point swing to seal their fourth win in a row and remain second in the GAC standings.
 
The Bison finished the matchup having shot 26-65 (40%) from the field. Ugochinyere Nwarie finished as the leading scorer for OBU, putting up a double-double with 24 points and 12 rebounds. McKenzie Cooper added 18 point of her own, while Kalifa Ford rounded out the top three for the Bison as she put up her second double-double on the season with 17 points and 15 rebounds.
 
The Bison completely controlled the first quarter, taking an early 27-19 lead. The Bulldogs were never able to pull ahead after a 2-2 tie before the Bison went on a 9-0 run. Cooper closed out the quarter with her first of three three-pointers.
 
The Bison came out on top once again in a closely contested second quarter as OBU was able to extend its lead to 11 before the Bulldogs rallied to bring the score to 37-37. The Bison, however, did not flinch and were able to battle back in the final three minutes to emerge with a 47-45 halftime lead.
 
In yet another closely contested quarter the Bison were once again able to prevail in third, leading 67-63. SWOSU opened up the quarter with an 8-0 run to gain a six-point advantage. The Bison then rallied back to tie the game at 55 all. There were two more lead changes and one tie in the final four minutes before OBU ended with a two-point advantage.

The Bulldogs were then able to rally back and tie the game at 70 each and never looked back to take a six-point victory.
 
The Bison will look to bounce back with their final non-conference tilt on Thursday, Dec. 19, before the holiday break. OBU will take on Central Christian at the Noble Complex with tipoff set for 5 p.m.
 
For complete coverage of OBU women's basketball, follow the team's official Twitter account (@OBU_WBBall).