Oklahoma Panhandle State University

Box Score Stephenville, Texas—The OPSU men's basketball team went up against the undefeated LSC powerhouse Tarleton State University on Wednesday evening and suffered a 55-point loss (90-35) to the No. 14-ranked Texans.

Bill Lee scored the first seven points for the Aggies, bringing down two layups, a jumper, and a free throw in the first five minutes of play. However, the Aggie baskets quickly cooled down and only seven additional points were scored in the remaining 15 minutes of the first half; the Texans took a 45-14 lead going into halftime. OPSU was held to 22.7 percent from the field (5-22)  and went 0-6 at three-point range in the opening half; the Aggies shot 50 percent from the line.

The second half started with defensive action as T. J. Farrell grabbed a rebound off a missed Texan three-pointer and the battle under the nets ensued from there. In the following two minutes the Aggies tallied four rebounds, two turnovers, three missed shots, and a foul which led to the first timeout of the half for OPSU. Immediately following the timeout Z. Jones sunk a shot from beyond the arc for the Aggies' first three-pointer of the game. The Aggies went on to score 14 points in the following five minutes, but with only 2 shots made after the 10-minute mark they were unable to gain the momentum needed to climb ahead. OPSU improved in the second half shooting 25 percent from the field, 23.1 percent at three-point range, and were 2-3 in free throws. Tarleton came out with a 90-35 victory opening their season at 7-0 for the first time in school history. The Aggies' record falls to 0-7*.

Lee led the Aggies in scoring with 15 points and tied with Z. Jones in rebounds at six apiece; Jones was second in scoring with nine points. Tarleton took advantage of turnovers, scoring 27 points off takeaways. The Texans' bench was very productive and brought in 57 points to the Aggies six.

The Aggie men will have plenty of time to regroup and prepare for their upcoming re-match against the 4-3 Buffaloes of West Texas A&M. The Aggies kept it close in their last meeting with the Buffs in November (65-58) and look to take their first win of the season in Canyon, Texas on Saturday, Dec. 14.

*Bethany College game on 11/29 not counted in NCAA stats (exhibition game).