Oklahoma Panhandle State University

Box Score Oklahoma City, Okla.—The Aggie men hung in to the bitter end in a neck-and-neck game against Oklahoma Christian Thursday evening.

Despite scoring 14 straight points which put them up by one with less than five minutes left on the clock (69-68), the Aggies were unable to shake the Eagles who went on to make 12 free-throws and sealed the game with a dunk to win by a score of 85-77.

The Aggies went into the game lacking one of their leading scorers Krys Randolph, who was out sick. Randolph was ranked sixth in the conference in made three-pointers averaging two per game and tenth in free- throw percentage shooting 82 percent from the line.

"It's hard playing without one of the best shooters in the conference, especially when both teams we are up against this week (Oklahoma Christian and Dallas Baptist) play a full 40 minutes of zone," OPSU coach Jerry Olson commented.

Jeremy Newton took up the slack by shooting 50 percent from beyond the arc and making critical three-pointers late in the game. Newton led the Aggies in scoring with 27 total points and shot a perfect 7-7 from the line.

Z. Jones put up another great performance which led to his first double-double of the season. Jones finished with 12 points, all from three-point range, ten assists and also landed six rebounds. Coach Olson was very proud of Jones' 37-minute performance, "Z. played hard the entire game without a backup point guard (Randolph)."

Other Aggies to make an impact at the boards were Bill Lee and T. J. Farrell who grabbed six and five rebounds respectively; Farrell also managed six.

In all, the Aggies totaled 15 three-pointers: Newton landed six and freshmen Jake Regier and Jones each brought in four. OPSU shot 42 percent from the field as well as from long distance, and improved to 80 percent from the line.

Coach Olson remarked, "The team played with pride and took the game right down to the wire. I am proud of how we gave ourselves a chance to win." Olson felt that there were a few moments that could have changed the game, but non-calls by the officials kept the momentum on the home team's side.

The Aggie men drop to 1-14 overall and 1-5 in the Heartland Conference. The men continue on to Dallas, Texas to play Dallas Baptist on Saturday, Jan. 18 at 2 p.m. Aggie fans can keep up with the game via live audio and video links provided on the Aggie athletics website.