- Box Score

STEPHENVILLE – The Tarleton men's basketball team showed why they were picked No. 1 in the Lone Star Conference Preseason poll and No. 8 in NABC National poll after defeating the Savage Storm of Southeastern Oklahoma Friday night in Wisdom Gym, 61-50.

The Texans got off to a fast start and jumped out to an early 11-4 lead by the 14:01 mark.  They continued to trade baskets with SOSU, but always maintained a comfortable advantage.

Tarleton pulled away towards the end of the half and went into the locker rooms with a 34-26 advantage.

The lead did not dip below four points the rest of the game, as the Texans handled everything the Savage Storm threw their way.

Through the first 20 minutes of play, the Texans shot 41.9 percent from the floor and held the Savage Storm to 47.8 percent.  Tarleton struggled from deep, posting a 18.2 three-point percentage, but made up for it by forcing 14 turnovers and only committing six.

The Texans were led offensively by Fabian Wilson, who had 12 points and eight boards, while Chris Harrell added seven.  Shedrick Haynes was a spark for the Tarleton defense after recording four steals in the first half.

James Harris was the leading scorer for SOSU as he contributed eight points to his teams' effort.

The second half was more of the same from Tarleton, who used in-your-face defense and methodical offensive sets to wear down the Savage Storm.  Foul trouble also became a major issue for the visitors from Oklahoma, with four of their five starters having three or more fouls.

Without depth on the bench and a high-powered enough offense to compete with the Texans, Southeastern Oklahoma fell by a 61-50 final to No. 8 Tarleton.

Tarleton extends its home winning streak to 18 straight games, dating back to the 2009-10 season.

Wilson led the way with a double-double, gathering 19 points and 12 rebounds to lead all players in both categories.  Brian Word added nine points, while Shedrick Haynes added eight.  Haynes had a remarkable game defensively, recording six steals in the contest.  Head coach Lonn Reisman will appreciate that as the Texans defend their No. 1 defensive team in the nation honor.

“The defense was a mainstay in this game,” said Reisman.  “That was one thing we did right tonight, was force turnovers.  You know it is early in the season and our chemistry is just not there yet.  But I saw glimpses of where we need to be.  We just have to keep improving.”

Tarleton shot 42 percent from the floor, and were victorious despite shooting 27.3 percent from behind the arc and 48.1 percent from the charity stripe.

SOSU shot 37.5 percent from the field and committed 26 turnovers in the game.  Tarleton held the Savage Storm to 10 percent from three-point land in the second half.

The Texans return to action Saturday night at 7 p.m. when they wrap up the South Central Region Challenge against Pittsburg State (1-0).  SOSU will play Eastern New Mexico at 5 p.m. to open the day.

For more information regarding the 2011-12 Texan basketball campaign, go to TarletonSports.com.