Cowboys Blow Past Western State 89-64 in OCAC Play
Connors State used a 21-4 run midway the second half to blow away host Western State at the Pioneer Dome 89-64 in an Oklahoma Collegiate Athletic Conference clash Monday night.
ALTUS –Connors State used a 21-4 run midway the second half to blow away host Western State at the Pioneer Dome 89-64 in an Oklahoma Collegiate Athletic Conference clash Monday night.
It was the fifth consecutive win for the Cowboys and a sweep of the Pioneers for the year. Connors won the first game 97-61.
The Cowboys are now 23-5 for the season and 12-3 in league action to remain one game behind Northeastern A&M in the conference standings. NEO defeated Seminole State 93-77, the Cowboys next opponent to close out the regular season at Melvin Self Field House Thursday night. Tip-off is 7:30 on Sophomore Night.
Connors held a nine-point lead at the half 40-31 before taking command in the final 20 mnutes.
"We were a little sloppy at the start," said Coach Bill Muse. "We had that nine-point lead at half time, and then they jumped right back in to open the second half by scoring five straight points (40-36).
"We had just a four-point lead and that made us lock in a little bit better. We were able to go on that run and open the game," said Muse.
The Cowboys had four players score in double figures, led by point-guard Callen Haydon's 21 points. Burke Putman added 20 points with Terrance Jones scoring 16, while Daylon Tanksley came off the bench to score 12, before fouling out late in the game.
"This is good to get a win, especially on this road trip across the state," said Muse. "Some of the guys have never made this trip. But, on any other level this is just an average road trip."
The Cowboys now look ahead to Seminole State and then the Region II Tournament in Shawnee, March 6-9 at Oklahoma Baptist University.
"I told our guys after the game we have to go into the tournament with some momentum," said Muse. "It will be Sophomore night and it will be the last time they will be in uniform for us at home.
"We have to go into the tournament on a high note, and not a loss, "said Muse.
Western's scoring was led by Dylan O'Hearn with 21 points with Lavorris Givins adding 15 in the loss.
CONNORS STATE 89, WESTERN STATE 64
Connors State 40 49--89
Western State 31 33--64
Connors State (23-5,12-3)—Haydon 21, Putnam 20, T. Jones 16, Tanksley 12, Sidberry 9, Graham 4, Armstrong 3, Lowe 2, I. Jones 2.
Western State (9-18, 3-12)—O'Hearn 21, Givins 15, Smieus 9, Sears 8, Okafor 8, Dumas 2, Jones 1.