Box Score COMMERCE, Texas (Nov. 12, 2016) – Oklahoma Christian proved able to come back from one double-digit deficit on Saturday afternoon against Cameron, but doing so twice proved to be a hill too high to climb.
Cameron used a 14-2 run midway through the second half to seize control and held on for a 73-61 win over OC in the final game of the Heartland-Lone Star Challenge at Texas A&M-Commerce.
OC (0-2) shot just 37 percent (20 of 54) from the field, including 17.4 percent (4 of 23) from 3-point range, while Cameron shot 41.9 percent (26 of 62) and 39.1 percent (9 of 23), respectively, with five Aggies scoring in double figures.
"We have yet to play a full 40 minutes," OC coach
Cory Cole said. "We have played well in spots on both ends. This afternoon, we didn't defend well enough when our shots weren't falling.
"I'm proud of our effort and we're competing. These two games will help us down the road."
OC's biggest lead came at 12-9 with 12:29 left in the first half, on two free throws by senior guard
Keilan Horton, who scored 12 points off the bench. Cameron used a 9-0 run to take the lead and led 26-25 at halftime.
The Aggies opened the second half with a 10-2 run and led 37-27 after a 3-pointer by Delvonte Pierre with 17:18 left. OC scored the next seven points during a 14-3 spurt and went back ahead at 41-40 on a layup by
Dorian Lopez with 12:31 left.
Cameron (2-0) responded with its decisive run and led 54-43 after a 3-pointer by Tyler Williams with 8:09 left. The Aggies kept their lead in double digits the rest of the way.
Senior center
John Moon led OC with 14 points, 10 rebounds and four blocked shots. Lopez had 11 points and eight rebounds while
Jordan Box added 11 points for the Eagles.
"I'm proud of our bench," Cole said. "We are getting a spark there. Our big three of Moon, EJ (
Elijah Strickland) and
Marcus Mathieu have got to, and will, play better together. I've got to do a better job of putting them in better situations for success.
"I've got to do a better job of getting this team ready to play. We're fortunate to have a week of practice time to prepare and get better. Our chemistry will be a focal point for us this week."
Williams led Cameron with 15 points, while Pierre had 14 and J.V. Long had 13.
OC will be off until next Saturday, when the Eagles will host Barclay (Kan.) in their home opener. Tipoff is set for 3 p.m.
