After losing the two previous games by at least 30 points, the Eagles’ basketball team came within striking distance of a win but fell short Thursday against the St. Mary’s University Rattlers.
With the final score showing the Rattlers ahead 68-62, Men’s Basketball Head Coach Dan Hays said the Eagles’ missed free-throw opportunities held the team back from victory.
“We missed [free throws] as the game progressed, but to give yourself a chance to win, especially when we’re right on the fence, you have to make them,” Hays said. “You have to take advantage of the things people give you and free throws are gifts.”
Oklahoma Christian University shot nearly 41 percent in the first half, trading leads with St. Mary’s for several minutes. The Eagles finished the half leading 31-29.
Once the second half began, gameplay slowed, and Hays said there was a seven-minute stretch in which they showed careless ball handling. The team recorded 23 turnovers to the Rattlers.
According to senior Eric Randall, St. Mary’s is the number one rebounding team in the conference, so rebounding would be key to win the game. In the end, Oklahoma Christian recorded 31 rebounds and St. Mary’s pulled down 32.
John Moon led the Eagles’ scoring with 13 points, followed by Randall with 12, Tripp Fuller with 11 and Jordan box with 10. Moon also grabbed seven rebounds and provided three blocks.
Casey Covalt added three points for the team with Jordan Rutherford and Cameron Peters making two points each.
Elijah Strickland swished two shots from behind the arch and grabbed two rebounds.
According to Hays, it was a rough-and-tumble game with a lot of fouls. Both teams recorded a total of 55 fouls throughout the game. Oklahoma Christian had 25 to St. Mary’s 30, who fouled out two of their players. Strickland committed the most for the Eagles with four personal fouls, but avoided fouling out.
The majority of these fouls came in the second half when the Eagles bumped up their shooting accuracy to 41.7 percent. The Rattlers shot 50 percent, took lead of the game, and the Eagles played catch-up for much of the half.
At times the Eagles trailed by as much as 10 points, and at other times the teams were tied. The final buzzer sounded and St. Mary’s took the victory. Oklahoma Christian played their closest scoring game in two weeks.
Randall said the home court advantage helped the players as they’ve struggled this season.
“It’s always better playing at home,” Randall said. “It’s more relaxed, you just show up and play and you’ve got all your fans there to support you, which is great.”
Coach Hays said the fans’ support and encouragement helped the team during Thursday’s tough game.
“I want to compliment the crowd,” Hays said. “It actually felt like old school in there. It was good to see.”
The Eagles host Texas A&M International on Jan. 31 at 3 p.m.
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