WAXAHACHIE, Texas — The Oklahoma Panhandle State men's basketball team (3-16, 1-13 SAC) went toe-to-toe with No. 8 Nelson (17-3, 12-2) on the road Thursday night, holding a late lead before having it slip in a 78-73 defeat.
 
With both teams' games Thursday largely predicated on getting to the line for free throws, Nelson was able to get there and convert with more consistency over the final two minutes to escape with victory in the physical battle.
 
Christian Campbell was the leader in that regard for OPSU, driving towards the hoop whenever he could, drawing contact, and making 17-of-19 free throws en route to dropping 21 points.
 
Mike Carter began the night as the aggressor, setting the tone for the contest. Offensive patience for OPSU opened up timely cuts and drives for the Aggies as they raced out to a 12-5 lead. The good offense continued, as an Ederick Coleman Jr. three-pointer gave Panhandle State a double-digit lead eight minutes in.
 
Nelson chipped away as the half wore on, but OPSU did enough offensively within the paint to retain its advantage, pushing it back to eight at 38-30. The Lions shifted the tide slightly, closing the period on a 7-0 run to make it a one-point game at halftime.
 
Campbell kept making his way to the line and knocking down foul shots during a back-and-forth start to the second half. Midway through the period, Jacob Taitte notched a putback and Ja'Vian Baker drained a jumper on consecutive possessions to put the Aggies ahead by five, 60-55.
 
The pace of the game remained choppy, as Nelson continuously got to the charity stripe and OPSU relentlessly attacked the offensive boards to earn gutsy second-chance points. With 4:22 to play, it all added up to a 67-64 lead for the visitors.
 
The teams kept trading trips to the free-throw line down the stretch, which eventually favored the Lions and their primary scorer, Micah Clark, who converted on an and-one to give them the advantage with two minutes left.
 
Trailing 74-70 in desperation time, the Aggies got a stop, pushed it ahead to Aaron Williams Jr. from high above the left wing, and he cashed in with 14 seconds to go to get Panhandle State within one before the hosts ultimately iced the contest.
 
Carter closed with 15 points and 12 rebounds for his second double-double of the season. Mykel Lindsey also made timely buckets throughout, scoring 11. Baker was solid with eight points and a team-high three assists.
 
The Aggies made 25 free throws on the night, tying for the most they have made in head coach Charles Belt's tenure. The Lions did one better, however, making 26 free throws.
 
What's up next: OPSU continues facing tough opponents when it travels to Texas Wesleyan (14-5, 10-4) on Saturday for a 4 p.m. tipoff.