GOODWELL, Okla. — Despite a strong offensive performance and a career night from EJay Scroggins, the Southwest men's basketball team came up short in a high-scoring battle, falling 87-79 to Oklahoma Panhandle State on Friday night at Anchor D Arena during the No Man's Land Classic.

Scroggins led the Mustangs with 24 points, seven rebounds, and seven assists, showcasing his all-around game in 35 minutes of action. He was joined in double figures by Jalen Williams, who added 16 points on 4-of-8 shooting from beyond the arc, and Donovan Holcombe, who chipped in 14 points and six rebounds.

Southwest held a narrow 35-34 lead at halftime and built a seven-point advantage early in the second half. However, the Aggies responded with a red-hot shooting performance, hitting 70.8 percent of their shots in the second half, including 8-of-10 from three-point range. That surge proved to be the difference as Oklahoma Panhandle State outscored Southwest 53-44 after the break.

The Mustangs shot 42.4 percent from the field and 32 percent from three-point range, while matching the Aggies at the free throw line with both teams going 15-of-21 (71.4%). Southwest dominated the paint with 38 points and added 22 second-chance points off 12 offensive rebounds. The Mustangs also forced 10 turnovers and converted them into 18 points.

Jayvian Lawson added nine points and four assists, while Steven Masini and Kevin Boone each contributed six points off the bench. Southwest's largest lead of the night was seven points midway through the second half, but the Aggies used a late 12-5 run to pull away in the final minutes.

With the loss, Southwest drops to 2-1 on the season. The Mustangs will look to bounce back in their next matchup at the No Man's Land Classic against Southwestern Christian at 12 p.m. (MT). 

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