Dec. 2, 2006

Box Score

CANYON, Texas - A gutsy effort by the West Texas A&M men's basketball team came up just short on Saturday night at the First United Bank Center as the Buffs fell to undefeated Southwestern Oklahoma State by an overtime score of 84-81.

After falling behind by as many as 11 during the opening minutes of the first half, the Buffs roared back, behind tough defense and a potent offense, which included a 58.6 shooting percentage (17-for-29) to tie the game at the half 42-42. Senior Damien Lolar only needed one half of play to record his fourth double-double of the season with 11 points and 10 rebounds in the opening period.

During the second half, the see-saw action continued with the Buffs holding the period's biggest lead at five points during the half which saw six ties and five lead changes, but neither team was able to pull away in the period and the Buffs were forced to play their second consecutive overtime game in two seasons against Southwestern Oklahoma. The Buffs fell to the Bulldogs 65-64 in overtime last season in Weatherford, Okla.

Lolar added 10 more points in the second half and in the extra period to give him a game-high 23 points. Junior forward Chris Hinz was also a factor after halftime, adding nine of his 13 points on the night.

The setback drops WTAMU's overall record this season to 2-5, meanwhile, Southwestern Oklahoma State remains perfect at 6-0.

Buffalo basketball is back in action on Monday as the team travels south down I-27 to battle Lubbock Christian in a 7 p.m. contest.