Oklahoma Panhandle State University (OPSU) men's basketball team showcased an impressive start against Central Christian, outscoring their opponents 37-30 in the first half. However, the Aggies faced challenges in the second half, particularly with struggles in making layups.
Head Coach Charles Belt expressed his concerns in the post-game interview, highlighting the team's difficulty in finishing plays, especially when the game was still within reach. "When the game was still close, we didn't make layups...there is no feeling of intensity when you watch a guy 2 inches away not finish the play," Coach Belt remarked.
Despite the setback, OPSU fought hard but ultimately fell short, losing the game with a final score of 79-69. The second-half woes were particularly evident in the paint, where OPSU struggled, shooting 8-26 from two-point range.
Abduhl Diaby emerged as a standout performer for the Aggies, leading the team in scoring with an impressive stat line of 23 points, 3 rebounds, 4 blocks, and 3 steals. Fred Robinson IV contributed significantly with 17 points and 3 assists, while Joe Greaves showcased his skills with 15 points, 8 rebounds, 2 blocks, and 2 steals. Amaree Brown displayed efficiency, contributing 8 points, 5 rebounds, and 3 assists, shooting 2-4 from beyond the arc.
Looking ahead, the Aggies aim to bounce back as 2nd half of conference play begins, they face Southwestern Christian University next Thursday, January 25th, on the road in Bethany, OK. The team remains determined to learn from the challenges faced in the previous games and bring a renewed energy to their upcoming matchup.