#11 Texans Fall to #10 Odessa College 97-85 in Conference Opener

ODESSA, TX — The No. 11 South Plains College Texans dropped their WJCAC conference opener Monday night, falling 97–85 to No. 10 Odessa College at the OC Sports Center.

South Plains opened the game with a three-pointer on its first possession to take a 3–0 lead, but it proved to be the Texans' only lead of the night. Odessa responded quickly and steadily built separation, carrying a 19-point advantage into halftime.

Turnovers and foul trouble hindered South Plains throughout the contest. The Texans committed 19 turnovers, which the Wranglers converted into 20 points. Odessa also capitalized at the free-throw line, going 30-of-38 (78.9%) from the stripe.

South Plains matched Odessa in opportunities at the line but was unable to fully capitalize, shooting 28-of-41 (68.3%). Despite the loss, the Texans continued to compete offensively, keeping the game within reach at various points in the second half.

Antallah Sandlin'el led SPC with 20 points, adding three rebounds and two assists. Deion Ware followed with 16 points and six rebounds, while Zion Pipkin contributed 12 points and two steals.

The Texans will look to rebound quickly as they continue conference play on the road Thursday, January 8th, when they travel to face Midland College.