Oklahoma Panhandle State University

Box Score Goodwell, Okla.—OPSU women's basketball fell short of their first victory Wednesday evening despite their second half efforts against Adams State University.

The Aggie women got things started with back to back jumpers by Hannah Tatum and Sarah Johnson and the on-court battle ensued from that point on. Morgan Rickwartz and Meagan Bell each landed a three-pointer midway through the first half to tie the game at 14 apiece. That was the last of the Aggie baskets however, as the Grizzlies went on to score ten unanswered points until Sarah Johnson completed a jump shot in the paint off of a defensive rebound by Rickwartz with two minutes left in the half; the Aggies went in to the locker room trailing 16-29.

As they returned for the second half, it was apparent that the Aggies were not going down without a fight. Brittany Alavinejad scored right away with a layup under the net followed by a three-pointer from Sarah Johnson; Johnson then recovered the ball on an ASU turnover and passed to Meagan Bell who drained another three. After an Aggie foul and two good shots by the Grizzlies, the Aggies found themselves down by nine at 24-33 with just less than 17 minutes still left in the game. The Aggies would come within seven points after a good jump shot from Alavinejad with the clock at 13:48, but that was as close as they would come to reaching the Grizzlies. Rosa Quinonez, Meagan Bell, and Sarah Johnson would contribute five more three-pointers in the second half, but it wouldn't be enough and the game ended with a score of 54-66 in favor of the Grizzlies.

Adams was able to capitalize on Aggie mistakes, scoring 19 points on turnovers and making 21-23 free throws off of fouls. The Aggies show definite potential as they improved their shooting percentages in the second half substantially, raising their field goals from 23.8% to 42.9%, three-point shots from 40% to 70%, and free throws 66.7% to 87.5%.

Seniors Sarah Johnson and Meagan Bell led the Aggies in scoring with 16 and 12 points respectively; Johnson contributed two three-pointers and Bell shot an impressive 4-6 at three-point range. Leading in rebounds were Sharice Papaleo with seven and Morgan Rickwartz with six. Papaleo also finished 7-8 from the free-throw line.

Coach Charles Terry said, "We played hard in the second half but just weren't making shots when it counted. This team plays so hard and they are a great group to coach."

There is no doubt that the Aggie women will continue to improve, which will make each game a must-see event. The team takes to the road this weekend to take on Fort Hays State in Hays, Kan. on Saturday, Nov. 16 at Noon. Aggie fans can keep up with the game via live stats and radio links located on the women's basketball schedule on the OPSU Aggie Athletics website.