USAO men’s basketball team (4-7, 3-5 SAC) took on the Oklahoma Panhandle State Aggies (3-9, 1-8 SAC) (OPSU) and won their matchup in instant classic fashion.
The Drovers performed well in the first half with eight different players adding to the scoresheet. Junior Mohand Ammad tallied nine points, including a three-point shot, while missing only one shot attempt. USAO led by a comfortable margin of 36-28 at the end of the half.
Once the second half started, OPSU came out firing on all cylinders. The Aggies came out in the second half aggressively and with a similar result to the Drovers’ first half, having nine players on the scoresheet. USAO held the lead for the entire half, but the Aggies gradually shortened the lead to only two points at 71-73. A jump shot from OPSU with 12 seconds would tie the game and send it into overtime.
In overtime, the Aggies took an early lead with a layup and a free throw to put them up three points. Although they eventually held a four-point lead, the Aggies were unable to guard sophomore Ryein Kennedy. He scored a deep three-pointer to put the game within one point. Kennedy also hit a clutch layup as the clock ran out to send the game into double-overtime at 79-79.
Finally, in double-overtime, the two teams took turns controlling the lead until free throws from Kennedy put USAO up by two at 86-84. With 2:06 on the scoreboard, OPSU made it to the free throw line again with a chance to tie the game again and possibly go into a third overtime. Senior Brice Langford, who finished with 20 points for the Aggies, had the opportunity to tie the game. After making the first free throw shot, he was unable to hit the second one, allowing USAO to keep the lead at 85-86. For the rest of the game, neither team was able to hit a shot. OPSU had a chance to take the lead with time expiring, but once again, Kennedy made his presence known with a thunderous block to end the game with a win.
Kennedy had a monster game; putting up 35 points, 12 rebounds, and seven blocks. Ammad finished his night with 13 points and seven rebounds while senior Cade Allen had 12 points, four rebounds, and three assists.
In down-to-the-wire games like these, Kennedy believes in trusting his teammates to pull through. This is what gives him the confidence to make shots when the team needs them.
“In tight games I like to focus on my role on the court, my teammates are a big part of (my success) They believe in me, and they continue to pass me the ball,” Kennedy said.
USAO’s next game will be played at home, as they will face the Northern New Mexico Eagles Friday, Dec. 20. The game will begin at 7 p.m. and is their last game for the month of December.
Matthew Yokum is a third-year communication major at the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma.
