Eagles end season with loss on the road

A 92-60 loss to the University of Texas-Permian Basin signaled the end of the Oklahoma Christian University men’s basketball season on Saturday.

Although the team didn’t perform as well as it wanted, Head Coach Dan Hays said he welcomed the end of the season as a time to recharge and restart.

“We needed it to end,” Hays said. “It’s been a long year. The guys have done a good job of keeping their enthusiasm and attitudes but there’s a time to move on and concentrate on their studies and enter another phase of the year.”

The Eagles struggled at the start by shooting 26 percent and trailing 55-23 at halftime. They rallied in the second half and shot 41.2 percent to UTPB’s 34.3 percent, equally matching the Falcons’ 37 points.

The last minute effort couldn’t make up for the large point difference made in the first half and Oklahoma Christian ended with a 32-point deficiency and a 6-20 record.

John Moon recorded 15 points in the game with three rebounds and two blocks. Jordan Rutherford scored seven points, including one of the team’s three 3-pointers. Tripp Fuller managed six points and four rebounds while Jordan Box and Elijah Strickland each shot four points.

Senior Eric Randall finished out his final season with a double-double, scoring 18 points and grabbing 10 rebounds. Randall said he was grateful to have a chance for another season when he thought his career was over.

“The highlight for me would be having the opportunity to play another season and be able to finish my career on the court,” Randall said. “[I’m] thankful to God for the abilities and talents he’s given me.”

Casey Covalt, also a senior, scored two points, recorded one steal and four rebounds. Covalt said he made memories on and off the court this season.

“[The] highlight of my season is definitely the overtime win against UAFS and getting to travel and be around this great group of guys everyday,” Covalt said.

Josh Faurot completes Oklahoma Christian’s senior list for this season, finishing out with four points, four rebounds and one block. He and Covalt shared their favorite game of the season.

“I would have to say the highlight of my senior year would be our last game at home,” Faurot said. “It was senior night and we beat a team we probably shouldn’t have and the seniors played great.”

The team looks to enjoy a break, then pick back up in the next school year with at least seven returning sophomores and six returning juniors, while adding a new round of freshmen.

Hays said despite what the record-book shows, he was proud of his team this season.

“I was real pleased with the guys, they conducted themselves well,” Hays said. “Our win-loss record was not good but everything else about them was outstanding. We hope to build on it and turn things around next year.”

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