March 2, 2007

Box Score

WICHITA FALLS , Texas - In the semifinals of the Lone Star Conference Tournament, the West Texas A&M basketball team fell to Southeastern Oklahoma, 83-76, despite having four starters in double figures.

The first half was a back and forth affair, as the Buffs (18-10) and Savage Storm (25-3) had six ties and 12 lead changes. However, at the end of the first period, Southeastern went on a 5-0 run to take a 40-35 lead into halftime.

In the first stanza, WTAMU was led by Kevin "Chip" Green, who scored a team-high 12 points. As a squad, the Buffs shot a blistering 56 percent from the field, and held SOSU to just 37 percent shooting.

To open the second period, SOSU went on a 14-9 run that was helped by three WTAMU miscues. The Buffs battled back and reduced the Savage Storm lead to three (77-74), but the magic that was present in Tuesday's come from behind victory was not there, as SOSU ended the game on a 6-2 run.

For the contest, WTAMU was led by Green, who scored a team best 20 points and was followed by junior Pierre Barlow's 17. Rounding out the double figures for the Buffs was junior Chris Hinz and senior Damien Lolar, who each chipped in with 15 points.

WTAMU, as a team, shot 29-of-52 from the field, 8-of-18 from 3-point range and converted on 10-of-14 from the stripe. The Buffalo defense held strong, as they forced the Savage Storm to 31 percent shooting from outside, as they went 9-for-29. From the field, SOSU was 27-of-62 for 43 percent and from the free throw line the Savage Storm made 20-of-27 chances.

The Buffs will now wait until Sunday, at 9:30 p.m., to find out their NCAA Tournament fate during the selection show webcast on www.ncaasports.com. WTAMU was ranked fifth in the last South Central Regional poll released on Wednesday and have to remain a top eight team in the region to earn a NCAA playoff berth.