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Game #2 South-Central Regional
Southwest Baptist 89
Angelo State 84

D’Ante Harris netted a team-high 26 points to lead SBU

Southwest Baptist University made the most of its opportunities in a game that saw 62 fouls called, 82 free throws, and four technicals.  The Bearcats, ranked No. 7 in NCAA-II, held on for an 89-84 victory over Angelo State University in the opening round of the South Central Regional at the University of Central Missouri.

The Bearcats (25-4) led from the onset, opening the game with an 11-0 run.  Angelo State (20-9) closed within five, 22-17, with 10:39 remaining in the half on a pair of Ryan Bennett free throws, but could draw no closer. 

Southwest Baptist built its advantage on the strength of 49 percent shooting, 5-of-12 from three point range.  Nineteen fouls were called in the opening stanza, and 30 free throws were attempted.  It was only the beginning.

The second half seemed as though it would be all Southwest Baptist, which built a 20-point lead, 55-35, with 15:22 to play.  The Rams, though, refused to go quietly, and closed to within three, 59-56, on a Shavar Burch layup with 10:46 remaining.  But after his make, Burch was charged with a technical foul, which seemed to ignite the Bearcats.  They went on a 14-3 run over the next three minutes to regain control.

Once more it seemed Southwest Baptist would put the game away, but again the Rams fought back, and with :54 remaining they trailed 84-80.  On this night, though, it was for naught.  Forced to foul, Angelo State could draw no closer, as SBU hit 3-of-6 from the free throw line in the final minute.  Not great, but good enough to hold on for the win.

D’Ante Harris led the Southwest Baptist effort with 26 points, hitting 12-of-13 from the charity stripe.  Wendell Mardis (#10 - pictured at left) added 15 points, Johnnie Harris and Matt Rogers each had a dozen, and Tomas Brock chipped in with 10.  Rogers also had eight rebounds and four blocked shots.

For Angelo State, Burch had 27 points and nine boards, while Bennett added 20.

Southwest Baptist takes on Dallas Baptist University in the semifinals Sunday at 4 p.m.  Dallas Baptist advanced by virtue of its 53-45 win over the University of Central Oklahoma in the first game of the regional.

(Photo's by Dave Kopp)
See more photo's by Dave Kopp