Panhandle State men suffer first home Loss of the season

GOODWELL, Okla. - For the first time during the 2020-21 season, the Oklahoma Panhandle State University men’s basketball tasted defeat at Anchor D Arena, falling to No. 22-ranked John Brown University by a score of 94-64. The Aggies dropped to 2-4 overall and 1-4 in Sooner Athletic Conference games, while the Golden Eagles improved to 2-3 and 2-3 in the SAC.

Both teams had similar numbers in turnovers (20-19 JBU), steals (9 each) and points in the paint (38-34 JBU). Both teams also showed why they are among the NAIA leaders in offensive rebounds, with the Golden Eagles getting 12 of its 38 caroms on offense and the Aggies pulling down 11 offensive rebounds of 32 total.

However, the biggest differences were in the aspects of field goals made and bench scoring. Panhandle connected on 20-of-60 tries from the floor, overall, but made just five from three-point range. The Golden Eagles made good on 35-of-66 field goals (53 percent) and had 12 treys made.

JBU’s bench contributed 57 points its coffers. OPSU received 20 points from its reserves.

Only two Aggies – freshmen Jalen Thomas and Alfred Alkannama – managed double-digit scoring in the setback. Thomas was 6-for13 from the floor on his way to a 15-point game. He also had five rebounds and three assists.

Alkannama tallied 11 points on a 5-for11 game from the floor. He had a teambest three steals for OPSU, as well.

Another freshman, Antanas Tamulis had five rebounds – four offensive – to go along with his eight points. Sophomore forward Auston Chatman chipped in seven points. TC Ellis and Quentin Fankhouser had four points apiece, with Ellis dishing off for six assists.

Jamaal Smith led Panhandle State with six rebounds.