Lady Bison Fall at OC

January 11, 2007

Oklahoma Baptist took it on the chin for its first loss in Sooner Athletic Conference, losing a defensive slugfest at Oklahoma Christian 47-43.

Oklahoma Christian shot only 28 percent from the field but held the Lady Bison to 26 percent.

The outcome wasn't certain until Danielle Cox converted a three-point play on a breakaway with 12 seconds left in the game for the final margin, separating from the one-point margin.

Despite the modest scoring, the game saw 13 lead changes, the last coming with Katie Fariss hit two free throws with 1:11 left to make it a 44-43 Oklahoma Christian advantage.

"Our shooting was just brutal tonight," said OBU Coach John McCullough. "And those turnovers hurt us."

OBU had 17 turnovers officially.

The first half was a defensive gym and not much of an offensive nightmare for both teams. After the Lady Bison opened with a three-pointer by Lena Brenning, the visitors missed their next 16 long range attempts to finish 1-of-17 for the half.

Oklahoma Christian shot 24 percent from the field and had five shots blocked, including three by Betsy Simmons.

Dilenny Castillo and Rachel Heins had 11 points each to lead the Lady Bison, with Castillo collecting 14 rebounds.

Rachel Martin had 16 points to lead the Lady Eagles.

Now 8-5 overall and 2-1 in the SAC, the Lady Bison will play their conference home opener against Southern Nazarene University.

Oklahoma Christian moved to 3-0 in the league and has sole possession of first place as Oklahoma City absorbed its first SAC loss at Lubbock Christian Thursday night.