Oklahoma Panhandle State University

Box Score 1 | Box Score 2 Lawton, Okla.—The Aggie men kicked off their season with a regional basketball tournament this weekend in Lawton, Okla. The tournament was hosted by Cameron University and included Cameron, University of Texas-Permian Basin, Texas A&M-Commerce, and OPSU.

The Aggies went up against the home team, Cameron, in their first official game of 2013 and got scoring started with a good three-pointer by Bill Lee. Junior transfer Z. Jones answered with another three giving the Aggies an early lead at 6-4. The Aggies led almost the entire first half until fouls put Cameron at the free throw line and the half ended in Cameron's favor with a score of 41-38.

The second half started with missed opportunities and turnovers and had the Aggies in the hole to Cameron 57-41 in the first six minutes. Jeremy Newton turned things on draining a three, drawing a foul and making his extra point. Fouls soon became a problem for both teams but the Aggies were hit hard at the free throw line as Cameron brought in 13-17 extra points. OPSU got within seven towards the end of the game but was unable to pull ahead, taking a 85-74 loss to Cameron.

Saturday was a long day for the team as they had to wait until 8:30 p.m. to play their second game of the tournament against Texas A&M Commerce. The Lions got off to a quick start gaining a 13 point lead in the first 4 minutes, but Tavien Rosemond announced his presence with authority and jammed a dunk in for two off an assist by Jones. Krys Randolph followed with two successful three-pointers and Jeremy Newton got in on the action with his own three followed by a good layup in the paint. The Aggies were now within two points at 15-17. The Lions then made four consecutive baskets but the fouls started flying bringing OPSU to the line which turned the momentum in favor of the Aggies. Rosemond and Jones made their shots and Bill Lee came in with a crucial three that brought the Aggies up 28-26 with eight minutes left in the half. The Aggies kept it going and went in to half time with a 46-43 lead over the Lions.

Rosemond once again woke everyone up, starting the second half with a dunk and score assisted by Z. Jones. However, three turnovers and four fouls later, the Aggies found themselves down by eight after five minutes of play. Kysahn Sands battled for a defensive rebound which led to a good layup in the paint from Jones but it wasn't enough to spark the flame needed to take the lead. The Aggies were down by as much as 17 points in the second half, and Commerce came out with an 89-77 victory.

OPSU averaged 38.6% in field goals and 72.3% in free throws for the tournament. Z. Jones led the Aggies in scoring with 31 total points and was named to the all-tournament team. Rosemond brought down a total of 11 rebounds and Kry Randolph was perfect from the free-throw line making all eight of his shots. This Aggie team will no doubt continue to improve as the season progresses.

The men are on the road next week and will play UC-Colorado Springs in Colorado Springs on Saturday, Nov. 16 at 7:30 p.m. Their first home game will be against West Texas A&M on Tuesday, Nov. 19 at 7:30 p.m. in the Oscar Williams Field House.