Goodwell, Okla-– Aggies men's basketball team came tantalizingly close to victory but fell just short in a 59-62 road loss to the Texas Wesleyan Rams on Saturday night. The Aggies battled through a 10-point first-half deficit and tied the game at halftime but couldn't capitalize on key opportunities in a tightly contested second half.

In the first half, Mike Carter opened the scoring for the Aggies, helping them stay competitive early. However, Texas Wesleyan capitalized on turnovers and second-chance points to build a double-digit lead midway through the half. Undeterred, the Aggies turned to their defensive intensity and rebounding prowess to chip away at the deficit. A balanced effort from the starting five saw OPSU close the gap late in the half, with Carter and Abdulh Diaby leading the charge. Heading into the locker room, the Aggies had fought back to a 29-29 tie, setting the stage for a dramatic second half.

The second half was a game of runs, with both teams trading baskets and the lead changing hands multiple times. Kensington Grant-Brown's mid-range jumper at 11:35 gave the Aggies a 41-40 edge.

However, the Rams held their composure, making key defensive stops to seal the game. Despite their best efforts, the Aggies' struggles from beyond the arc (2-of-12) and 20 turnovers proved costly. 

They did manage to dominate the glass, out-rebounding the Rams 44-33, including 15 offensive boards, but couldn't convert enough second-chance opportunities to turn the tide.

Game Notes:

• The Aggies held the Rams to a season-low 62 points, well below their 76-point average.
• Mike Carter led OPSU with 12 points, shooting 4-of-6 from the field and 4-of-5 from the free-throw line.
• Abdulh Diaby contributed 11 points and a team-high 6 rebounds.
• Kensington Grant-Brown went 3-of-3 from the field for 6 points in just 11 minutes off the bench.
• Jerry Abushanab pulled down a game-high 8 rebounds, adding 3 assists.
• The Aggies committed 20 turnovers but won the rebounding battle 44-33.

Next Up: Oklahoma Panhandle State will travel to Chickasha, OK, on Monday, December 16, to face the University of Science and Arts (USAO). Tipoff is set for 2:00 PM.