(FULTON, Mo., Feb. 5)--The William Woods University men's basketball team lost to visiting Harris-Stowe State University Saturday in Anderson Arena. The Owls lost 56-61 in overtime.

In a defensive struggle, the Owls trailed 16-26 at halftime. The Owls shot 28.6% from the field at the break.

WWU trailed by as many as 15 points in the second half. The Owls cut the deficit to two points with 1:40 remaining in regulation on a pair of free throws from Dan Anderson (Jefferson City, Mo.) Anderson hit a three-pointer with :46 remaining to tie the game at 49.

Harris-Stowe answered with a bucket with :19 remaining to regain the lead. Vern Watkins (Virginia Beach, Va.) sent the game to overtime on a lay-up with :13 remaining in regulation.

Logan Decker (Kansas City, Mo.) gave the Owls a 54-53 lead with 3:44 remaining in the overtime period. It would be the only lead the Owls would have. HSSU outscored the Owls 8-2 down the stretch to come away with the hard-fought AMC victory.

Andrew Miller (Whangamata, New Zealand) led the Owls with 17 points and 12 rebounds. Miller was 7-for-15 from the field and 3-for-9 from beyond the three-point line. Decker added 15 points for the Owls in the loss.

HSSU (9-15, 4-4) shot 42.9% from the field in the win. WWU (9-15, 3-6) shot 32.7% from the field in the loss. William Woods outrebounded the Hornets 41-38.

William Woods will return to action on February 10. The Owls travel to Hannibal-LaGrange University for another AMC match-up. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:30 pm in Hannibal, Mo.