Jan. 22, 2004

Final Stats

ALPINE, Texas - Hardin-Simmons men's basketball team played its biggest contest in at least 10 years and the Cowboys were battered from the opening tip and were blown out 97-63, Thursday night against Sul Ross State in Alpine, in a game that was for sole possession of first place of the ASC West.

HSU turned the ball over the first seven possessions and trailed 19-4 about eight minutes into the game. The Lobos came out on fire in the first half, shooting 57 percent and hit 9-of-13 3-pointers. SRSU led 56-24 at the break.

To their credit, the Cowboys came out in the second half and competed hard and only lost the second half by two points. The game was a learning experience for the inexperienced Cowboys.

Dathan Jones had 12 points to lead the Cowboys. Grant Justus added 11 and Zach Pickelman chipped in 10 for HSU. Derric Workman led the Lobos with 18. Rick Herrera added 15.

HSU fell to 5-10 overall, and 3-1 in ASC West play. Sul Ross State improved to 10-5 overall and 4-0 in ASC West action.

The Cowboys will play at Howard Payne at 3 p.m. on Saturday.