**For Immediate Release**
Aggies Dump Conference Leader St. Edward’s, 63-62
by Scott Puryear of OPSU Sports on 2/11/07

Goodwell, Okla. - In Austin, Texas on Saturday evening, the Oklahoma Panhandle State men’s basketball squad had the unenviable task of playing on the home court of a very good college basketball team - St. Edward’s University. The Hilltoppers entered the contest atop the Heartland Conference and carrying a season record of 17 wins against just four losses.

In order to challenge the Hilltoppers, the Aggies - beginning the game with a 6-17 record - knew they would have to put up a good fight, and that is exactly what they did for the full 40 minutes as they hammered out a 63-62 victory.

The game was just about everything a college basketball fan could ask for.

OPSU came out very tough and held an 11-8 lead in the early going, thanks to nine quick points by forward Will Stephenson. The Aggies held a 21-16 advantage with just under nine minutes to go in the first half; however, a wild flurry by St. Edward’s put them in a 23-23 tie with just under five minutes left.

There were ten ties and ten lead changes and by the halftime break, everyone needed a deep breath from the exciting action. In the first half alone, OPSU’s junior duo of Stephenson and LaChawn Anderson had each scored a dozen and sophomore Luke Ogden had registered ten rebounds. When the teams went to the locker rooms, the Aggies were ahead 30-28.

Using an 11-player rotation, St. Edwards mustered several challenges, but each time the Aggies were there with resolve and the score stood 37-33 in favor of OPSU with 16 minutes left in the game.

Defense took over the game for the next several minutes, but the intensity continued and with 8:45 remaining, the score stood OPSU 46 - St. Edward’s 46.

St. Edward’s showed their own brand of determination and at the five minute mark, they led the Aggies by four points at 54-50, but a fast bucket by Stephenson got it to 54-52 and after a flurry of action over the next two minutes, the Aggies reclaimed the lead at 57-56.

With 40 seconds left and St. Edward’s ahead again, 60-59, OPSU coach Curt Connor called a timeout and soon after, Anderson coolly drilled a three-point rocket to put the Aggies back on top, 62-60, with 28 seconds to play.

St. Edward’s got a two-point bucket as time expired, but it was not enough. Oklahoma Panhandle State 63, St. Edward’s 62!

It was a great team-oriented win for the Aggies, who also won the battle of the boards, 40 rebounds to 26.

Anderson continues to be the hottest player in the Heartland Conference with 28 points in the game and the junior has averaged almost 27 points in his last five outings. Stephenson knocked down 21 points with a solid nine for 15 from the field.

The 6’5 Ogden - a very tough inside player - hauled down 13 rebounds to go with his six points and Stephenson and Anderson snared 12 and eight rebounds, respectively.

It was a great win for the Aggies and a great win for Connor, who is retiring from coaching at the end of the season. The Aggies will get a well-deserved few days off before they travel to Jefferson City, Missouri next Saturday for a clash with Lincoln University.

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