Oklahoma Panhandle State University's men's basketball team faced off against Texas Wesleyan University in an intense game on Senior Night. The Aggies displayed unwavering determination, but unfortunately, the Rams secured a 60-44 victory at the Anchor D Arena.
The game began with a strong defensive strategy from the Rams, who zoned the Aggies and limited their three-point opportunities. OPSU faced a challenging first half, shooting 1-13 from beyond the arc. Despite their struggles, the Aggies managed to keep the Rams at bay, holding them to just 30 points.
Entering the second half, Texas Wesleyan continued to press their advantage, going on a 10-1 run. However, the Aggies fought back, finding ways to generate offense. The third quarter saw both teams scoring evenly, with OPSU matching the Rams point for point. Despite a late-game surge, the Aggies fell short down the stretch.
Senior Night was a special occasion for Sierra Tate, the sole senior on the women's team, who was honored for her contributions to the program. Tate showcased her skills on the court, contributing 8 points, 5 rebounds, and 4 assists in her final home game.
Heidi Rodriguez led the Aggies in scoring with an impressive 12 points, demonstrating her offensive prowess. Alex Kimble also made a significant impact, recording 8 points, 5 rebounds, and a perfect 2-2 from the field. Kimble showcased precision from the free-throw line, going 4-4 and adding 2 assists to her stat line.
Despite the loss, the Aggies displayed resilience and determination throughout the game. With a 40% shooting percentage from three in the fourth quarter, OPSU showcased their ability to adapt and compete until the final buzzer.
Looking ahead, the Aggies embark on a two-week road stretch to close out the season. Next week, they face Central Christian University on Thursday, February 15, at 6:00 PM.