Box Score
Edmond, Okla. – The Bearcats outscored the Bronchos in the fourth quarter, but it wasn't enough as Central Oklahoma tops Southwest Baptist 83-65. The Bearcats move to 6-13 (2-8 MIAA) on the season.
 
UCO scored the first basket of the game, but Bailey Rezabek answered quickly with SBU's first score. Caylee Richardson scored on the Bearcats next possession, giving them a 4-2 lead, which would be their only lead of the night. The Bronchos went on a 10-1 run, claiming the lead and pushing it to 7 with just under 5 minutes to go in the first quarter. Caylee Richardson ended the quarter with two successful free throw shots, creating a 21-11 score in favor of UCO.
 
The home team picked up where they left off, scoring 5 quick points to start the second. A jumper from Morgan Henderson and two RayShee Smith free throws kept SBU going offensively. After a couple of UCO free throws, the Henderson and Smith duo scored again on back to back possessions, cutting the Broncho lead to 8. Central Oklahoma maintained around a 10 point lead for the remainder of the half, but stretched their lead to 16, scoring a three with just under 1:30 to go. The Bearcats trailed 29-45 at the half.
 
SBU's first points of the second half came from a Caylee Richardson layup and a successful three point play by RayShee Smith. UCO came out of the break on a hot streak, pushing their lead to 26 points with 3:06 to go in the third. Madison Strong and Zahria White both scored before the end of the third, Strong with a three and White with two free throws. UCO led 68-45 heading into the fourth.
 
The Bearcats controlled the fourth quarter, coming up just short in the end. SBU began the fourth with a 14-3 run. Sydney Bandy nailed a three to start the run, and RayShee Smith capped it off with a three as well. SBU was able to get within 13 of UCO, but the Bronchos finished with an 18 point lead, 83-65.
 
RayShee Smith led SBU in points, finishing with 16. Caylee Richardson finished just shy of a double-double, scoring 12 and grabbing 9 rebounds. Laura Vierkant was the other Bearcat in double digit scoring with 13 points.
 
The Bearcats continue their road trip in Oklahoma, their next game coming against Northeastern State on Saturday, February 2. Tipoff for the women will be at 1:30 PM.