GOODWELL, Okla. - The Oklahoma Panhandle State men's basketball team welcomed the University of North Texas at Dallas Trailblazers to Anchor D Arena for their second to last game of the regular season. The Aggies would be at the mercy of an early bonus for the Trailblazers. Allowing the Trailblazers to come out with the win with a final of 74-73.

The Aggies hoped to continue the momentum they generated last week after going two for three on the week. Defeating SAC powerhouse Oklahoma City and Texas Wesleyan. However, too many missed opportunities cost the Aggies against the Trailblazers. 

The Aggies and the Trailblazers come into this game as near opposites. With the Aggies boasting the number four scoring offense in the conference the Trailblazers boast the number five defense in the conference. The Aggie offense needed to be consistent with their shots and sure-handed with the ball to keep the Trailblazers from running away with the game. 

Panhandle State (11-15, 8-13 SAC) entered into their second lifetime game against the UNT-D Trailblazers (12-16, 8-13 SAC). In their previous matchup of the season, the Aggies would also drop the game 65-73. A game where the Aggies struggled on the boards, handling the ball, and committing too many fouls. 

Rayquan Elliott and Jalen Thomas both headline the Aggie scorers. Both reaching double-figures in the game and being perfect from the free-throw line. An uncharacteristic night for the Aggies' top scorers as their mid-range jumpers early just would not seem to fall. Digging the Aggies in a hole early. Elliott would total team-leading 22 points with four assists and three rebounds. Reigning SAC Player of the Week Thomas would tally 19 points with two assists and four rebounds. 

The Aggies came out in the first half looking to show their improved game plan from the first time they played the Trailblazers in mid-January. Looking to focus on rebounding the ball and reducing turnovers. Something that the Aggies did well in the half. Totaling only a single turnover in the half while also coming down twelve rebounds. Despite some early shooting struggles for the Aggies, they were able to limit the shots of the Trailblazers and make their trips to the free-throw line count as they took a two-point lead into the half. 

The second half looked to be coming up for all Aggies as they began to run away with an eight-point lead two minutes into the half. However, the Trailblazers were able to draw early fouls and get Auston Chatman, and Reyes Ludi-Herrera into foul trouble and limit their minutes early. Without two of their primary starters, the Aggies had to lean on Elliott, Pile, and Thomas in the half. As the three totaled 22 of the Aggies 32 points in the half. 

With the clock winding down the last thirty seconds of the game Thomas would lay one in for the Aggie lead. With twenty-five on the clock, the Trailblazers would inbound the ball and run the clock down for the final possession of the game. Knocking down a lay-up off a missed three to give the Trailblazers the one point lead with only two seconds left. Leaving the Aggies with a nearly impossible situation as they are downed by the Trailblazers 74-73. 

A much improved free-throw performance from the Aggies as they shot 90% from the line. Accompanied by a forty-six percent field-goal percentage and twenty-two percent three-point percentage. 

The Aggies enter their last regular season contest against the Southwestern Assemblies of God Lions Saturday, February 19th at 3:45 PM.