GOODWELL, Okla. – For the third time in its last four games, the Oklahoma Panhandle State University men's basketball team came out on the short end of a decision to an NAIA nationally-prominent team. The Aggies lost a Sooner Athletic Conference home bout to No. 22-ranked Southwestern Assemblies of God University, 98-64, at Anchor D Arena.
 
In recent games, OPSU has been defeated by received-votes Wayland Baptist University and No. 10-rated John Brown University.
 
Panhandle jumped out of the gate in the first half, leading 5-0 after a pair of baskets by Thomas Ellis. The Aggies were still ahead, 10-5, at 16:41 on a lay-in by Quentin Fankhouser. However, over the next two minutes the Lions went on an 11-0 run to grab the upper hand.
 
OPSU struggled to thwart the hot-shooting Lions most of the game, as SAGU hit 56 percent of its shots in the first half, and 60 percent in the second. For the game, SAGU hit 58 percent (40-69) from the floor for the contest.
 
From beyond the arc, Panhandle State made good on 10-of-24 shots for a clip of nearly 42 percent. SAGU was just 7-of-18 from long distance, but did convert 11-of-12 free throws.
 
Freshman Auston Chatman led the Aggies in scoring with 14 points. Chatman drained 5-of-11 shots, including 3-of-7 from three-point land. He also had three rebounds and a pair of assists to his credit.
 
Ellis was OPSU's only other double-figure scorer with 13 points. Ellis had a nice shooting game, going 5-of-8 overall, 2-for-2 from three-point country and 1-of-1 from the free throw line. Ellis shared high team rebound honors – with teammate Daniel Holyfield – by grabbing six boards (five on the defensive end).
 
DK Sumo IV added eight points, along with two steals and four assists. Freshman guard Jalen Williams had a game-leading eight assists. Fellow frosh Cameron Ray booked five points and five rebounds.
 
On Saturday, the Aggies will get another ranked foe, as No. 19 Texas Wesleyan University comes to Goodwell. Tipoff at Anchor D Arena is slated for 3:45 p.m.