GOODWELL, Okla.- The Oklahoma Panhandle State men's basketball team defeated the Barclay Bears for the second time this season with a final score of 79-69. Despite missing some of their usual starting five, the Aggies pushed through and held on for the win. With a highlight performance once again by juniors Rayquan Elliot and Justin Pile. Elliot finished with a team-leading 22 points while Pile tallied his second double-double of the season with 10 points and 10 rebounds. 

The Aggies welcomed the Bears into Anchor D Arena after previously traveling to Haviland, Kansas earlier this month. Where the Aggies also came out with a victory. The first half of this matchup was not as rousing as many of the previous matchups for the Aggies. Missing their first six shots of the game had the Aggies straining to get any sort of momentum early in this game. However, juniors Justin Pile and Rayquan Elliot would ignite a spark in the Aggies halfway through the first half. Elliot drained back-to-back three-pointers to start the run for the Aggies. Followed by heavily contested shots from Pile that would send him to the charity stripe for free throws. A little too late for the Aggies as they would trail by two points at the half. 

Looking to create some positive momentum in the second half of the contest, the Aggies looked to get back to what they're best at; scoring in the paint. The Aggies outscored the Bears in the paint 24 to 16 in the second half. Being able to drive into the paint opened up the Aggie shooters to expand their range. Freshman Rodrigo Cristo did just that with his midrange. He would finish second in points for the Aggies with fourteen. However, what set the Aggies apart and helped them in their victory was their ability to rebound. Totaling 43 rebounds in the game for the Bears; 25 rebounds. 

What helped the Aggies tonight was their success in getting rebounds, on offense and defense, as well as making their free throws. Head Coach Mark Laird would say "we had multiple guys out and wound up with only eight healthy players. We didn't play our best and it was an ugly game. But we ound a way to hold them under 70...which was our goal. We have to get healthy and get ready for a huge conference road trip this week." 

The Aggies hit the road next week for their first conference road trip of the season. First stopping in McPherson, Kansas to take on the Central Christian Tigers Thursday, December 2nd at 7:45 PM. They will then travel to Langston, Oklahoma for a 3:45 PM match against the Langston Lions Saturday, December 4th.