Goodwell, OK - College of the Ozarks dropped a hard-fought SAC matchup Saturday afternoon, falling 81-71 to a hot-shooting Oklahoma Panhandle State squad at Anchor D Arena. The Aggies built a decisive first-half cushion and kept the Bobcats within reach but never allowed them to fully close the gap.

Oklahoma Panhandle State seized control early, carrying a 49-37 advantage into halftime after an efficient opening 20 minutes. The Aggies dictated tempo behind balanced scoring and strong perimeter shooting, finishing the game at 51.6% from the field (33-of-64) and 46.2% from beyond the arc (12-of-26). Their ability to stretch the floor and attack inside led to 38 points in the paint, forcing the Bobcats to play catch-up for much of the SAC contest.

College of the Ozarks stayed within striking distance thanks to timely perimeter shooting and strong individual efforts. Jay Baxter led the Bobcats with an all-around performance, posting 18 points, six rebounds and four assists in 34 minutes. Baxter knocked down three 3-pointers and helped spark multiple scoring runs. Garrett Snyder added 14 points and four rebounds, going a perfect 3-for-3 from the free-throw line while connecting on an early three that helped the Bobcats settle into rhythm offensively.

The Bobcats showed resilience throughout the second half. Facing a double-digit deficit, College of the Ozarks increased defensive pressure, finishing with eight steals and four blocks while committing just seven turnovers and only six personal fouls. Baxter’s 3-pointer with 5:15 remaining trimmed the deficit to 81-65, and a late layup from Landen Campbell helped the Bobcats continue to chip away down the stretch.

Despite the late push, Oklahoma Panhandle State’s depth and rebounding advantage proved decisive. The Aggies controlled the glass 42-29, including 13 offensive rebounds, and received 36 points from their bench compared to 21 from the Bobcats’ reserves. Kensington Grant-Brown led the hosts with 14 points, hitting four 3-pointers, including a key second-quarter triple that extended the lead to 52-37. Braedyn Ellison added 12 points while shooting 4-of-5 from deep as the Aggies pushed the margin into the 20s during the second half.

Offensively, College of the Ozarks finished with 71 points on 41.8% shooting (28-of-67) and went 7-of-18 from three-point range (38.9%). The Bobcats shared the ball well with 18 assists, scored 32 points in the paint and converted 16 points off turnovers. They also capitalized at the free-throw line, going 8-of-10 (80%). However, Oklahoma Panhandle State’s early shooting surge and interior presence created a gap the Bobcats could not fully overcome.

Even in defeat, the Bobcats showed encouraging signs with efficient offense, disciplined defense and low turnover numbers. College of the Ozarks will look to carry that momentum into its next SAC matchup Thursday at Keeter Gym against Langston.