Tuesday, February 26, 2008

Men’s basketball: Dallas Baptist 85, Oklahoma Panhandle State 57

By Pegasus News wire

The Patriots Men's Basketball Team clinched a berth to the Heartland Conference Tournament with their eighth straight victory on Monday night. DBU defeated Oklahoma Panhandle State, 85-57, to improve their overall record to 13-14 and conference record to 5-5. The Aggies fell to 10-15 overall and 2-7 in conference play.

DBU, who started four seniors in order to honor them on senior night, came out on a mission in the first half. The four leaders on the team took control of the game early with their tenacious defense and aggressive offense. The Patriots used the low post early, with Senior Manny Montano scoring the first four points of the game to set the tone.

The rest of the first half saw the Patriots gradually extending their lead and with two seconds left in the half Freshman Braxton Adamson pushed the lead to 18 when he nailed a 22-foot three-point shot to beat the buzzer.

The Patriots came out in the second half with same determination and continued to pull away from the Aggies. OPSU was able to cut the lead to 12 at one point early in the half but a couple of fast break points broke the Aggies spirit. Senior Nick Michels sealed the deal when threw down a beautiful ally hoop pass from Senior Erik Villarreal.

DBU once again shot the ball well, connecting on 45 percent of their field goals and 18 of 26 free-throw attempts. The Patriots out rebounded OPSU, 46-33 and forced them to commit 22 turnovers, which led to several easy baskets.

Senior Dwight Coleman led the way for the Patriots, connecting on eight of his 10 shots, to score 18 points. Michels wrapped up his senior season at home, with 18 points and 10 boards, while Montano contributed with 11 points and six rebounds. Villarreal led the way at the point dishing out a game high seven assists.

DBU will be in action again on March 7-8, when they take part in the Heartland Conference Tournament, which will be held at the University of North Texas, in Denton, Texas.

Source: DBU

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