Saints Secure 15-Point Win Over Oklahoma Panhandle State

PLAINVIEW, TEXAS (Nov. 7, 2024) – Samantha Fields, a standout newcomer, played a pivotal role in the Our Lady of the Lake University (OLLU) women's basketball team's victory over Oklahoma Panhandle State University (OPSU) with her double-digit scoring. Her performance, along with the team's efforts, led to a 55-40 win, pushing the Saints to 2-1 on the season, while the Aggies dropped to 0-3. 

The game was part of the 2024 Queens Classic sponsored by Wayland Baptist University.

Head Coach Tanya Ray commented, "It felt good to bounce back with a win after last night. I thought we did a better job of executing some things we talked about after halftime and were able to pull away."

History

The Saints are 2-0 against OPSU. In 2019, the Saints dominated the Aggies with a 94-65 victory.

Game recap

The Saints pulled ahead early in the first quarter, leading 7-2. Julia Plata sunk a 3-pointer to go up 10-4, and the Aggies fought back to lead 13-12 to close out the period. The Saints' scoring percentage was 29.4 compared to OPSU's 40.0.

The first points came in the second quarter after two minutes had passed on a jumper from Julia Plata. The Aggies regained the lead at 17-15. After many missed shots by the Saints, Fields made the Saints' second basket of the period – a three, to give the Saints the 18-17 lead. The game stayed at 18-17 for more than three minutes when the Aggies regained the lead at 19-18. Carlea Owens laid one in to tie the score at 20 and to end the half. The Saints improved to 30.0 scoring, while the Aggies were limited to 18.2.

In the third quarter,  the momentum was on the Saints side as they pulled away to lead 25-20. Fields connected on a three to give the Saints a 10-point lead at 32-22. Kiana Valdez closed out the period with a made 3-pointer to lead 40-31. OLLU had its best period of scoring with a 60.0, while the Aggies shot 38.5.

The Saints stifled the Aggies throughout the final quarter, taking their biggest lead of the game at 50-35. OLLU allowed just five shots from OPSU to secure the 55-40 win. The Saints shot 54.5, while OPSU shot 23.1.

Offensive/defensive standouts

Fields led the Saints with 4-of-12 from the field – with all four coming from threes to finish with 14 points. Plata made 4-of-6 from the field to tally 11 points.

Carlea Owens led in rebounds with eight, while Alexandra Westerdijk Martin totaled five assists. Desiree Rogers finished with three blocks, and Plata had three steals.

No OPSU player scored double digits. Diana Santos led the team with nine points and nine rebounds.

Inside the box

OLLU combined for 20-of-48 field goals, 6-of-21 threes and 9-of-15 free throws. OPSU tallied 16-of-52 from the field, 3-of-16 threes and 5-of-5 free throws. The Saints totaled 26 rebounds, and the Aggies finished 31.

Up next

The Saints will begin their conference schedule next on Nov. 14 at Xavier University of Louisiana in New Orleans.