OPSU Gives Up Lead, Falls in Overtime at Central Christian

Oklahoma Panhandle State took a firm lead for much of Thursday night in McPherson but could not close out Central Christian, surrendering a 12 point advantage and falling 63 to 59 in overtime. The Aggies led 33 to 24 at halftime and pushed the margin to 47 to 35 heading into the fourth quarter, yet a late run by the Tigers, a string of turnovers, and clutch free throw shooting by the hosts forced extra time and ultimately decided the game.

Freshman Tryssa Dowd paced the Aggies with 17 points and 11 rebounds for her third consecutive double double, and she added three steals and a block. La Tommas Johnson Nash and Heidi Rodriguez each hit two three pointers, La Tommas Johnson Nash sparking the third quarter with a pair of triples that helped build the late lead. Zamari Reece contributed eight points, five rebounds and six assists, and Mar kia Pratt scored nine points including a tough and one in overtime that briefly knotted the score at 59 with under a minute to play.

The game hinged on a tight closing sequence in regulation. Panhandle State made 1 of 2 free throws with 12 seconds remaining to sit two points ahead, but Central Christian raced downcourt, drew a foul and converted two free throws to force overtime. In the final minute of regulation a stretch that featured three turnovers swung momentum to the home team, and in overtime Central Christian converted a go ahead field goal and two free throws to seal the win.

For Texas County and the Goodwell campus community the loss compounds conference struggles. OPSU is now 0 and 6 in SAC play, a deficit that increases pressure to improve late game execution and protect possessions. Dowd s consistency offers a clear bright spot for the roster, but the team will need cleaner ball handling and steadier free throw performance to reverse course.

OPSU then traveled to face No. 11 Langston on Saturday, December 13 at 2 00 p.m as the schedule continued. The Aggies will return home in the coming weeks with conference play on the line and local supporters watching for signs of momentum.