While the #24 ranked WTAMU men’s basketball team might have a hold of the number four slot in the regional rankings, they are trying to make sure that there is no doubt they belong in the NCAA tournament.  WT took a big step forward in that direction when they took on Cameron University on Mar. 3 in the first round of the Lone Star Conference tournament in Bartlesville, Oklahoma.

The Buffs used a strong first half to hang with the Aggies and eventually muscle their way past them in the second half en route to a 75-59 victory.

WT opened the first half on a 13-5 run which left CU stunned at the 14:41 mark of the first half.  Cameron fought back and eventually tied the game at 17-17 then took the lead at 19-17 with 8:35 remaining before halftime.  Both teams battled for the lead the rest of the half as it was traded multiple times.  The Buffs led by as many as five points at the 4:50 mark.  However, the Aggies stormed back and took a 33-31 lead going into the locker room for halftime.

Cameron came out in the second half still full of momentum as they increased their lead to as many as seven points at the 18:56 mark.  WT then went on a 9-0 run which saw them claim a 40-38 lead with 14:17 left in regulation.  CU took the lead for the last time at the 11:30 mark when they led 43-40.  However, the Buffs reclaimed the lead at the 10:26 mark and never looked back from that point on.  WT led by as many as 19 points near the end of the half as they cruised to an impressive 75-59 victory over the Aggies.

Leading the scoring on the night for the Buffs was senior LaDarius Hall with 19 points followed by junior Rod Little with 18 points.   Fellow junior Lionel Foster scored 15 points with sophomore Mason White chipping in 12 points.

WT’s overall record now stands at 23-5.  The Buffs will now prepare for the semi-finals of the LSC tournament against Central Oklahoma whom the Buffs beat 67-60 on Dec. 18.  The game will be played on Mar. 5 with tip-off from Bruin Fieldhouse in Bartlesville set for noon.