Men's Basketball | 2/21/2019 10:57:00 PM
Box Score Waxahachie, Texas – The Oklahoma Panhandle State University men's basketball team will have to wait another couple days in hopes of earning a Sooner Athletic Conference post-season bid after dropping an 84-76 decision at Southwestern Assemblies of God University. The Aggies (15-12, 10-11 SAC) still occupy the eight – and final – slot for the tournament after the loss to the Lions (19-10, 12-9 SAC).
Panhandle State still controls its own destiny as it holds a one-game cushion over SAC No. 9 Southwestern Christian. The Aggies travel to Texas Wesleyan on Saturday (Feb. 23/4 p.m.), while the Eagles face the University of Science and Arts (Oklahoma). SCU holds tie-breaker criteria over the Aggies after winning both regular-season meetings.
Both teams shot well for the game - 41 percent (31-75) for the Aggies and 43 percent (29-68) for SAGU – but the host Lions managed a huge advantage on bench scoring, 28-3. OPSU was also out-rebounded, 50-40. But the Aggies compensated by canning nine three-point shots (compared to four made by SAGU) and held a 14-11 margin in second-chance points.
SAGU was in control the first half, reeling off a 33-26 lead going into the locker room. But in the second segment, the Aggies fought back and briefly took the lead in the waning minutes. But OPSU was unable to sustain its strong comeback bid as SAGU created separation down the stretch.
Khallid Edwards had a season-high effort of 23 points. Edwards had a great night shooting, hitting 9-of-14 overall from the floor, including 5-of-6 from long distance. He also had five rebounds.
Baris Ulker booked his tenth double-double of the season. Ulker went 7-of-14 from the field on his way to a 15-point night, while also pulling down a team-leading 12 rebounds.
Jaedon Whitfield hit 50 percent from the floor – 5-of-10 – on his way to 13 points, to go along with four rebounds. Alan Hodge and
Breiman Alexander each contributed 11 points. Hodge hauled in nine boards and had three assists, as well.
The Aggies struggled at the free throw line, converting 3-of-13 charity tosses. Conversely, SAGU shot 29 free throws and made good on 22.
