WEATHERFORD, Okla. – Oklahoma City University dropped a 101-97 decision to Southwestern Oklahoma State on Wednesday at the Pioneer Cellular Events Center in a men's basketball exhibition.
Chris Williams led the Stars, ranked fifth in NAIA Division I, with 26 points to go along with seven rebounds and six assists in the loss. Williams, a junior from Denver, went 10-for-18 from the field, including a 2-of-7 performance from 3-point range.
"The big thing we learned about our team tonight was that we have a lot of fight," OCU coach Vinay Patel said. "Our posts were in foul trouble the entire night, and we had to use some lineups we haven't even had time to practice yet. SWOSU changed defenses a lot, and it was good to see our team continue to be aggressive with everything they threw at us. We have to do a better job defensively moving forward, but I'm excited of what this team has the potential to accomplish this season."
SWOSU came out of the gates quickly, building a 13-3 lead early in the first half. The Bulldogs stretched the lead to 27-12, before OCU started hitting their stride and pulled even at 51 going into the half. Tre Evans led the Bulldogs with 43 points, eight assists and five rebounds.
The Stars built a 66-60 lead with just over 12 minutes remaining after a Joe Clarke 3-pointer. The two teams traded baskets until SWOSU regained the edge for good at the 4:43 mark.
Clarke, a senior from New Rochelle, N.Y., scored 14 points to go with seven rebounds and four assists. Eric McCollum, a senior from Newburgh, N.Y. collected 14 points and eight rebounds. Elijah Christman, a senior from Justin, Texas, led the team with 14 rebounds and produced 13 points.
Junior Eric Wattree, from Port Orchard, Wash., reeled in nine points and three rebounds, while senior Mark Howell, of Grand Prairie, Texas, added eight points in the contest.
Oklahoma City opens the regular season 4 p.m. Friday against Manhattan Christian (Kan.) at Abe Lemons Arena.