COMMERCE, Texas (Nov. 11, 2016) – A lot went right for Oklahoma Christian on Friday afternoon at Texas A&M-Commerce – stellar 3-point shooting, a big comeback and six players reaching double figures in scoring.
But all that wasn't quite enough for the Eagles, who slashed a 16-point deficit to two before succumbing 97-85 in the season-opening Heartland-Lone Star Challenge, a game that also marked the official debut of new OC coach Cory Cole.
Freshman Dorian Lopez led the multitude of double-figure scorers for OC (0-1), hitting all three of his 3-point attempts and finishing with 18 points, eight rebounds and four assists in an impressive first-game performance. Jordan Box added 16 points and went 4-of-6 from 3-point range, playing a key role in the Eagles' 11-of-20 effort from behind the arc.
The difference in the game for Texas A&M-Commerce (1-0) was its offensive rebounding. The Lions grabbed 20 of their own missed shots and thus ended up with 87 shots, 19 more than OC. As a result, they made eight more baskets than did OC.
"Our guys showed resolve against a tough, physical team on the road," Cole said. "We've got to be more sound on the defensive glass. We cannot give up that many second-chance opportunities. Give them credit as well, but we will get better."
OC led by as many as six points in the opening minutes, going up 11-5 on a dunk by John Moon at the 16:21 mark. But Trey Seymore, who scored 21 points, put the Lions up for good at 13-12 with a bucket at the 14:40 mark, and Moon picked up his third foul with 3:30 left before halftime. Malik Albert hit two free throws after Moon's foul to put TAMUC ahead 46-30.
The Eagles closed the gap to 53-42 by halftime. TAMU rebuild its advantage to 69-55 on Jovan Austin's basket with 12:27 left, but a 3-pointer by Box began a 14-2 run by OC and another 3-pointer by Box pulled OC within 71-69 with 8:38 left.
OC trailed only 75-72 after yet another 3-pointer by Box with 7:23 left, but Albert – who led the Lions with 26 points – answered with consecutive 3-pointers, the latter at the 6:02 mark, and OC came no closer than six points the rest of the way.
"JB gave us a lift off the bench and was a spark for us offensively," Cole said. "I liked his energy tonight. Dorian played well offensively and he's only going to get better defensively as he plays. We did some good thing against a tough team tonight and have many positives to build upon."
Dorian Armstrong came off the bench to record a double-double for TAMUC with 10 points and 12 rebounds. De'Andre Carson (15 points) and Montrell Little (13 points) also reached double figures for the Lions.
For OC, Marcus Mathieu and Elijah Strickland each scored 13 points while Keilan Horton and Moon had 10 each. Moon also grabbed nine rebounds and added a blocked shot, extending his consecutive-games streak in the latter category to 54.
OC will face another Lone Star Conference foe, Cameron, on Saturday afternoon.
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