Oklahoma Panhandle State University (OPSU) Women's Basketball team faced a tough battle against Central Christian College last night, resulting in a 57-53 loss. The Aggies showed promising signs in the first half, leading the Tigers 24-20 at halftime. However, despite forcing the Tigers into 27 turnovers, OPSU struggled to capitalize on the opportunities, committing 24 turnovers themselves.
In a game where every possession mattered, OPSU's shooting woes were evident, with a mere 32% shooting accuracy from the field and 26% from beyond the arc. The Aggies also fell short in the rebounding department, losing the battle by a narrow margin of one.
Head Coach Maria Wiltzius acknowledged the challenges faced by the team, stating, "Credit to Central Christian, they made some shots when they needed to. We couldn't take care of the ball or buy a basket. It's hard to continue to play hard and defend how I want when you flat out cannot score."
Despite the challenging outcome, standout performances shone through for the Aggies. Jana Radovanovic led the team in scoring with a double-double, contributing 14 points and grabbing 11 rebounds. Carolyn Olvera showcased her versatility with 7 points, 3 rebounds, 2 assists, and 4 steals. Sierra Tate provided a strong offensive and defensive presence with 13 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists, and a steal.
Despite the setback, the Aggies remain resilient as they look ahead to their next matchup. OPSU will hit the road to face Langston on Saturday, February 17, at 2 PM.