SAN ANGELO, Texas (Jan. 3, 2021) – Oklahoma Christian controlled the first half on Sunday afternoon at Angelo State (Texas), but the hosts flipped the script in the second half en route to an 80-66 win over the Eagles at the Junell Center.

D.J. Walter matched his career high with 16 points, including 15 in the first half, as OC (0-3, 0-3 Lone Star Conference) built an 11-point lead. The Eagles led 37-32 at halftime, but Angelo State (2-3, 2-3) – which didn't made a 3-pointer in the first half – opened the second half on a 17-7 run and didn't trail again.

Angelo State outrebounded the Eagles 44-32 and OC hurt itself by making only 12 of 26 free-throw attempts.

Walter sizzled at the start, making his first six shots, and the Eagles led 30-19 after the first collegiate points by freshman Cade Allen, on a layup with 6:09 left in the first half. The Rams scored the next nine points, but a basket by Marco Foster and three free throws by Donovan Reagan rebuilt OC's lead to 37-32.

After Angelo State's run to open the second half, the Eagles kept it close for a while. OC trailed only 53-50 after a three-point play by Elijah Elliott with 11:50 left. But the Eagles didn't record another basket for more than 5½ minutes, allowing Angelo State to extend its lead to 69-55 with 6:59 left, on a basket by Burone Edwards.

OC came no closer than seven points the rest of the way. Elliott finished with 14 points and six assists, while Foster had 13 points.

Paul Williams led Angelo State with 20 points (hitting 4 of 8 3-point shots) and five assists, while Sam Moore and DeVaughn Thomas both had 15 points and seven rebounds. Lavaris Duncan had eight points and 10 rebounds for the Rams.

The Eagles and Rams will play again at 3:30 p.m. on Monday.