The Eagles basketball team maintained a close game against Oklahoma Panhandle State University, but one fatal layup in overtime ended the game in a loss.
After Oklahoma Christian University lost in overtime to Texas A&M International the previous weekend, senior Casey Covalt said the team worked hard in practice to prepare for Thursday’s game.
“This week we have really focused on making shots and concentrating,” Covalt said. “Also practicing shooting at game speed.”
Men’s Basketball Head Coach Dan Hays said shooting accurately was the Eagles’ weak spot this season, but the team is looking to improve quickly.
“We started additional shooting practices during the day where they’re coming in and shooting on their own,” Hays said. “So we’re trying to correct the problem but it takes time.”
Oklahoma Christian shot 40.7 percent from the field in the first half, compared to the Aggies’ 38.7 percent. The second half began with a 37-32 Aggie lead but the Eagles defense swarmed and both teams entered overtime with 65 points.
Eric Randall, Jordan Box and John Moon led the team with 15 points each, helping to increase the shooting percentage to 48.1 percent in the second half.
Randall hit 4-4 from behind the free-throw line and had nine rebounds, a game high.
The team committed 10 turnovers and 19 fouls in the game, but managed six steals and 41 rebounds to make up for it.
Jordan Rutherford scored 12 points, including two from behind the arch, then fouled out with 18.9 seconds left in regulation. He joined Moon on the bench, who fouled out with 2 minutes left in regulation.
With two starters on the bench, Randall and Covalt took over to force the game into overtime. Oklahoma Christian started overtime strong, but the Aggies’ Marquavius Williams scored a layup in the final seconds to overcome the Eagles 74-72.
According to Hays, determination and drive are essential to recover from a demoralizing loss.
“The only thing that’s going to get us through this is hard work and we’re going to have to experience some wins,” Hays said. “I’ve been so impressed with their work ethic and their attitudes and I know good things will happen if we just keep working.”
The Eagles returned to action against Lubbock Christian University on Saturday.
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