WAXAHACHIE, Texas — A slug-it-out styled defensive battle in the first half Thursday night for the Oklahoma Panhandle State women's basketball team (5-15, 2-12 SAC) at Nelson (15-3, 11-3 SAC) morphed into an up-tempo game late, when the Lions gained just enough separation in a tightly contested battle to win, 63-56.
La'Tommas Johnson-Nash highlighted a determined effort for the Aggies, recording her first double-double with the team behind a career-high 14 points and 11 rebounds. She also played a key part in holding Nelson to 19 points under their season average by notching one steal and one block.
OPSU's junior transfer got her big night started just seconds into the game as she drove in for a layup off the opening tipoff.
Tryssa Dowd made a long two-pointer a couple possessions later as she scored the next six Aggie points, and
Zamari Reece buried a deep corner two to put the visitors in front early, 10-4.
Following a momentary stall offensively, Panhandle State was able to cut into the paint with ease for layup attempts and free throws to remain ahead, 14-10, after one.
A quick score to open the second period gave the Aggies a six-point advantage, but empty OPSU possessions ensued, and the game was soon tied at 16-16. A successful drive by Reece gave her team another brief lead as both defenses remained stout with their swarming styles of play.
Mar'kia Pratt scored inside late in the period, making it 24-22, Lions, going into the half.
The Aggies hit the offensive glass hard to start the third quarter, but turnovers allowed Nelson to surge ahead by seven. Back-to-back buckets, including a three from
Heidi Rodriguez, turned things back around, and Pratt and
Jamie Baum later scored in the paint to tie things at 35. The Lions responded well to close the third quarter, retaking a 44-37 edge heading to the fourth.
Momentum continued to favor the hosts as they took a 14-point lead early in the final frame. OPSU did not fold over, however, going on a 10-2 run aided by a Johnson-Nash knocked three-pointer to give the Aggies a chance late, trailing by six with over three minutes to play. Panhandle State's luck would run out in the closing minutes, ending its remarkable effort.
Pratt had a strong game with 15 points, four rebounds and four assists, while Dowd approached a double-double with 11 points, nine boards and three dimes.
What's up next: The Aggies look to finish the road trip with a win on Saturday at Texas Wesleyan (8-12, 4-10).
