SHAWNEE –
Rashad Lewis hit a fade away jumper as time expired to lift OBU to an important Great American Conference home win against Henderson State, 78-77, Saturday afternoon at the Noble Complex.
After running out to an early 17-6 lead, the Bison had to fend off a hot-shooting Reddie squad that finished the game 45 percent from three-point range.
OBU was able to keep Henderson at arm's length for much of the second half, but HSU's Chris Parker hit his fourth three-pointer of the game to give the visitors a 77-76 lead with just over five second remaining in the contest.
Lewis took the inbounds pass under the basket and drove the length of the court before knocking in the game winner while falling away in front of the OBU bench as time expired.
Lewis, a graduate transfer from Mercer, finished with 14 points to go along with eight assists and five rebounds. Junior forward
Harrison Stoddart led the Bison with 18 points, while
Jaquan Simms (15),
Dishon Lowery (11), and
Jarius Hicklen (10) all contributed double-digit scoring efforts.
The Bison shot 42.2 percent from the field on the afternoon, and knocked in 13-16 free throws (81.3 percent) to keep pace with the Reddies, who entered Saturday's matchup two games ahead of OBU in the GAC standings.
Now 13-7 overall and 8-6 in conference play, the Bison continue their three-game home stand next Thursday, Feb. 6, as league leader Southeastern Oklahoma State visits the Noble Complex for a 7:30 p.m. contest.
