University of Central Oklahoma Athletics

First Half Surge Boosts Bronchos

11/14/2014 4:12:00 PM

Jarred Bairstow

Box Score

TAHLEQUAH, Okla. (Nov. 14) – Reggie Sloan scored six points during a 15-2 first-half run that put Central Oklahoma in control and the Bronchos went on to topple Southeastern Oklahoma 80-68 here Friday afternoon of the first day of the 2014 Stuteville Automotive Group MIAA/GAS Basketball Challenge.

The Savage Storm led 11-7 in the early going before Sloan hit a 3-pointer and three free throws in the spurt that put UCO in front 23-13 with 11:11 left in the first half.

The Bronchos pulled away from there and led by as many as 31 before coasting in with the season-opening victory. UCO returns Saturday to face Northwestern Oklahoma at 4 p.m.

"We started a little slow, but really turned it on and played great both offensively and defensively the last 10 minutes of the first half," head coach Terry Evans said. "We led up a little bit in the second half, but it was a good start for us and a lot of people contributed."

Four players finished in double figures for the Bronchos, led by Mahlon Jones' 16 points. Sloan ended up with 14, while Cal Andrews added 13 and Jarred Bairstow 12 points and a game-high nine rebounds.

UCO pushed its 23-13 lead to 20 at 42-21 with 5:19 left on two Jones free throws and it was a big 55-28 cushion at halftime as Seth Heckart hit a 3-pointer in the final 30 seconds.

The Bronchos scored the first four points of the second half to make it 59-38 on a Jones layup and it was still a 31-point bulge (65-36) with 13:19 left to play on another Jones layup.

UCO coasted in from there as the Savage Storm rallied to get within the final margin.

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