LUBBOCK, Texas (January 24, 2009) - Jason Taylor's double-double performance for the No. 21 Oklahoma Christian University Eagles helped dodge a Lubbock Christian University comeback attempt Saturday afternoon at Rip Griffin Center. Taylor produced 24 points and 12 rebounds as the Eagles won the contest 66-60 over the Chaparrals for their fifth consecutive win. It was the Chaps second consecutive overall loss and their third consecutive home loss after opening up the season 6-0 at home. LCU is now 9-8 overall and 4-7 in the Sooner Athletic Conference with the loss.
The Chaps, who have surrendered double-digit second half leads in their prior two home games, had an opportunity to win in the fashion in which they had lost the last two at home. Trialing 63-53 with 1:49 remaining, LCU went on a 7-0 run. Jacob Klockenga hit a field goal in the paint and Justin Tatum made a pair of free throws before Douglas Williams hit a three-point shot with 38 seconds remaining to cut the deficit to 63-60. On the ensuing Eagles possession, Klockenga fouled Chad Endres, as Endres was driving to the basket. The result was a successful basket for Endres and Klockenga was whistled for an intentional foul, allowing Endres to close the game's scoring with a free throw.
The opening half was back and fourth. The lead changed hands on eight occasions. OC closed the first half with Jeff Crocker scoring all ten points of a 10-1 run in the half's final three minutes for a 34-26 halftime lead. The second half was full of runs by both squads. Trailing 37-26, LCU went on an 8-0 run and cut the score to 37-34. OC built the lead back into double figures, leading 52-42, but again, the Chaps produced a run. They cut the ten-point deficit down to 52-49 with a 7-0 run, only to have OC respond 9-0 run before the Chaps attempted their final comeback bid.
Crocker joined Taylor in double figures for OC with 15 points. LCU was led offensively by Douglas Williams, who was 7-of-12 from the field and hit three of six three-point field goals for 17 points. Klockenga (11) and Kenny Hewitt (10) also finished in double figures in points. OC was 7-for-15 from beyond the arch (46.7%), while LCU was 8-of-25 (32%). The main difference statistically came at the free throw line. OC was 13-for-17 (76.5%), while LCU was a miserable 4-for-9 (44.4%). LCU did benefit off turnovers. Forcing OC into 18 turnovers, the Chaps out-scored OC 21-10 in points off turnovers.
LCU will seek an end to their three-game home losing streak Thursday, as they host John Brown University at 8 p.m. inside Rip Griffin Center.
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