Alexander, Aggies make history
TAHLEQUAH, Oklahoma (February 18) – With a pivotal 59-53 victory tonight in Tahlequah, Oklahoma, the Cameron Aggie men’s basketball team (12-12, 5-4 LSC North) improved their Lone Star Conference North Division record to 5-4, breaking the school record for divisional wins in a season. Tonight the Aggies knocked off the Northeastern State RiverHawks (10-15, 5-5 LSC North) in a game with huge playoff implications.
“Our guys understand how to stay together when times get tough,” Head Coach Wade Alexander said. “Every team is going to make a run at you and no one will quit. If you remember that and play hard you will be okay. Tonight was a big win for us.”
The victory puts Cameron a half-game ahead of Northeastern State for the fourth and final playoff spot. CU has just three games left on the regular season, two of which are at home. The magic number for Cameron to clinch a secured playoff spot is 2 wins, but CU can still reach the postseason with a single win.
In tonight’s battle the Aggies led for much of the game and were up at halftime by the score 29-22. The RiverHawks began the second half on an 11-2 run to take their first lead of the game. Both teams battled back and forth until CU regained control midway through the period. Cameron stayed in control to hold on for the win.
Cameron shot an impressive 40.7% (22-54) shooting percentage to counter Northeastern State’s strong 41.5% shooting percentage. The Aggies out-rebounded their opponents 36-23 and also won the turnover battle. CU finished with a mere 7 turnovers, all of which were in the first half.
“We played well enough to win because NSU will make you grind it out,” Coach Alexander said. “We did a good job with ball control with no turnovers in the second half. That and our guys going 12-13 from the foul line is the clutch play that will win games.”
Junior forward Kallan Glasgow had a great night offensively as he led both teams with 20 points on 8-10 shooting. He also led the Aggies with 8 rebounds. Glasgow’s assist, block, and steal in 36 minutes of play also contributed to the victory.
“Kallan had a great, great game tonight,” Coach Alexander said. “He really stepped up, and we were able to count on everybody tonight. It will take everyone stepping up and making an impact to get to the playoffs.”
Senior guard/forward Mekaile Reed finished the game with 13 points and 7 rebounds. He also totaled a pair of assists in his 27 minutes on the floor.
Cameron’s only other player to score in double digits was senior guard Dave Smith. He finished with 14 points on 6-15 shooting and also recorded 4 rebounds. Smith finished with Cameron’s team-high in assists, 4, steals, 2, and minutes, 40.
“This was huge for us. We were in a must-win situation and pulled it out,” Coach Alexander said. “Now if we can get a win Saturday then it’s a bonus. We need to win 2 more games to secure a spot and we’ll be in, so hopefully we can start that on Saturday.”
The Aggies return home to host the nationally-ranked #9 Central Oklahoma Bronchos this Saturday (February 18) at 4:00pm in the Aggie Gym. CU and UCO will play in Cameron’s annual Homecoming Game and at halftime the 2009 Homecoming King and Queen will be announced.
