Goodwell, Okla.—Conference play heats up on the home court for OPSU basketball this week.
The women get things started Thursday, Jan. 23 evening at 5:30 p.m. as they take on the University of Texas-Permian Basin (3-12 overall; 2-8 Heartland). The Lady Falcons are currently ranked fifth in the conference for scoring averaging 70 points per game.
the women's game Thursday, the Aggie men will take the court against UTPB. The Falcons sit fourth in the conference with an overall record of 11-4 and a conference record of 5-2. UTPB averages 85 points per game and currently ranks first in the conference for guarding at three-point range.
On Saturday, Jan. 25 both teams will match up against Lubbock Christian. The women tip off at 1 p.m. against the top-ranked Lady Chaps who are undefeated in the Heartland and 15-1 overall. The men will follow at 3 p.m. taking on the leading rebounding defense in the conference. The Chaps average 27.4 defensive rebounds per game.
The Aggies will have several weapons of their own at the ready. The women are well-represented in the conference standings: Sarah Johnson is currently ranked fifth in scoring averaging 15.8 points per game; Sharice Papaleo sits sixth in rebounding with 8.3 per game; and Hannah Tatum is fourth in free-throw percentage sinking over 85 percent from the line.
OPSU's men are top in the conference in three-points made averaging 10.7 per game with three Aggies ranked in the top fifteen for scoring beyond the arc: Jeremy Newton, Jake Regier, and Z. Jones. Newton stands at the top of the chart in overall scoring as well, averaging 22.3 points per game. Krys Randolph and Jones rank in the top ten for assists, and Bill Lee is currently second in the conference in rebounding (averages 10 per game).
Thursday's games are sponsored by Clinic Pharmacy and the McMurry Clinic. Eddie's Steakhouse is sponsoring Saturday's games.
The OPSU coaches will take part in the Coaches vs. Cancer "Suits and Sneakers" Awareness Weekend on Saturday to help raise awareness about the fight against cancer, and to help promote the American Cancer Society as a place for help and support. The coaches will wear sneakers with their game attire as a visible reminder about the importance of nutrition and physical activity in reducing one's cancer risk. For more information and to get involved, visit cancer.org/suitsandsneakers.
