GOODWELL, Okla. – Oklahoma Panhandle State defeated Oklahoma City University 105-102 in a Sooner Athletic Conference overtime thriller on Thursday night at Anchor D Arena on the OPSU campus.
 
There were several lead changes in the game leading up to a 75-75 tie at the 4:27 mark of the second half. OPSU (9-13, 6-11 SAC) went on a 12-3 run at that point, boosted by three 3-pointers, to take an 87-78 lead at the 1:02 mark.
 
OCU (13-12, 12-6 SAC) made its own comeback at that point with a 12-3 run over the final minute of regulation. The Aggies took a 90-87 lead on two free throws from Rayquan Elliott with three seconds remaining before OCU senior guard Rashaun Coleman pushed the game into overtime with a half-court three pointer at the buzzer.
 
OPSU took a 99-97 lead at the 1:22 mark of overtime on two free throws by Jalen Thomas. After a missed lay-up by senior guard Ryan Birt on the other end the Aggies chewed up nearly a minute of clock with a missed 3-pointer, offensive rebound, and made 3-pointer at the shot clock buzzer by Elliott. That knock out basket pushed OPSU to a 102-97 lead with 14 seconds remaining.
 
OCU would cut the deficit to 102-99 on a lay-up by senior guard Dravon Clayborn with seven seconds remaining but OPSU's Jalen Thomas made the first of two free throws with five seconds remaining to push the Aggie lead to 103-99. Birt drilled a 3-pointer at the buzzer to make it a 104-102 final in favor of the home team.
 
Four players scored in double-figures for the Stars with Coleman leading the way with 33 points. Junior forward Kori Guest finished with 22 points, senior forward Romario Spence contributed 16 points and 12 rebounds and Birt finished with 12 points.
 
OCU returns to action on Thursday night with a road game at Mid-America Christian. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:45 p.m.