
ALTUS--Connors State Cowboys remained unbeaten, but it wasn't easy Thursday night.
Connors held off a stubborn Western Oklahoma State squad, who made a late run at the Cowboys only to fall short in their bid 90-82.
"We played terrible defense the second half," said Coach Bill Muse. "We didn't handle them very well. We had way too many turnovers."
Cowboys must regroup as they take on Eastern Oklahoma State Monday night at Melvin Self Field House for a 7:30 p.m. tip-off.
Cowboys (9-0, 1-0) had four players score in double figures led by point-guard Callen Haydon's 27 points. He was followed by Daylon Tanksley's 24 with Jarquavious Cain pouring in 20. Jahcoree Ealy added another 12 in the win.
Connors held a 14 point lead at the half 46-32, only to have the Pioneers tie the game at 70-all with 5:48 remaining as the Cowboys' defense collapsed in the second half.
Cowboys took the lead for good when Haydon drained a trey seven seconds later to put Connors on top for good.
CONNORS STATE 90, WESTERN STATE 82
Connors State 46 44—90
Western State 32 50—82
Connors State (9-0, 1-0)—Haydon 27, Tanksley 24, Jarquavious 20, Jahcoree 12, Jordan 7.
Western State (5-3, 0-1)—Brown 26, O'Hearn 20, Mims 15, Petties 7, Eaves 7, McKay 6, Pierre 1.