DALLAS, Tx. - The Oklahoma Panhandle State Men's basketball team fall to 7-9 on the season after dropping to the University of North Texas Trailblazers with a final score of 73-65. A match that saw three Aggies reach double figures, with Jalen Thomas leading the team with 20 points.

The Aggies came to Dallas for the first time since UNT-D was welcomed into the Sooner Athletic Conference. Their first match-up would be consequential as both teams are looking to find a spot in the postseason tournament. The Aggies looked to rebound from Thursday's eighteen-point loss to the Southwestern Assemblies of God Lions, while the Trailblazers look to bounce back after their loss to Wayland Baptist.

Coming into the first half, the Aggies looked to re-establish themselves and their strengths. The keys being, driving into the paint, drawing fouls, collecting steals, and minimizing turnovers. However, it would seem the Trailblazers were prepared for the Aggies attack. Like Thursday's match, the first half saw a new starting five for the Aggies. Team scoring leaders Jalen Thomas and Rayquan Elliott highlighted the starting line. The Aggies and the Trailblazers matched up well in height and speed coming into the game; however, their shooting from the free-throw line set them apart in the first half. Although the Trailblazers would go 8 for 11, the Aggies would only manage 3 free throws on seven attempts. Despite struggles from the charity stripe and 41% shooting, the Aggies only trailed by three going into the half. 

The Aggies looked to capitalize on their chances at the free-throw line as well as on the boards. Both teams would trade blows as the second half raged on; however, the Trailblazers could make the most of their second chance opportunities while the Aggies were not. As a result, the Aggies got outrebounded 22 to 15 in the second half. However, the Aggies would not go away, as Jalen Thomas would put up another double-digit scoring effort in half, scoring ten points on 66% shooting. Unfortunately, it all seemed a little too late for the Aggies as the Trailblazers maintained their lead till the final buzzer.

On the harrowing ending, Head Coach Mark Laird would say, "t's always tough to win on the road. They play very hard, and we just didn't match their toughness tonight. Next week, we will regroup and begin preparing for a very tough 3 game road trip. We still have a lot left to accomplish this yr and if we stay connected...it will pay off very soon!"

Once again, Elliott and Thomas continue their scoring streak with double-digit points. Thomas with twenty points, four rebounds, and two steals. Elliott tallied twelve points, two rebounds, and two steals. The Aggies return to the Great Plains for a match-up against the Wayland Baptist Pioneers Tuesday, January 18th at 7:45 PM.