Final Statistics

WICHITA FALLS, Texas (Dec. 3) -- Central Oklahoma fell behind early and could never quite recover in dropping a 96-89 decision to No. 23-ranked and unbeaten Midwestern State here Thursday night.

The Bronchos, who never led in the contest and had to repeatedly overcome double-digit deficits, pulled within six down the stretch but could never get over the hump and had a three-game winning streak stopped in falling to 4-3. The Mustangs improved to 8-0.

“We got ourselves in a hole early and just couldn't get out of it,” UCO coach Terry Evans said.  “We didn't shoot the ball very well, but fought hard.”

The Bronchos had little success from 3-point range, making just 6-of-23 shots (26.1 percent) from beyond the arc while shooting 41.4 percent (29-of-70) overall. MSU converted 53.6 percent (30-of-56) of its shots, including 47.4 percent (9-of-19) from long range.

Dauntae Williams led UCO with 28 points, six rebounds, three steals and two assists, hitting 10-of-15 shots and 7-of-9 free throws.  Chris Rhymes added 18 points and Tyler Phillips had 13.

The Mustangs opened up a 15-point lead at 29-14 midway through the first half en route to a 44-35 halftime advantage and MSU had a double-digit lead most of the second half.

UCO trimmed a 90-77 deficit with 3:00 left to just 90-84 with 2:09 remaining on a Eric Cazenave 3-pointer, a Williams layup and two Phillips free throws, but that was as close as the Bronchos could get.

UCO doesn't return to action until hosting Rogers State on Dec. 15.