Box Score Skiatook, OK –

The #5 Men's Basketball team opened season on October 24^th against the #13 LSU Shreveport Pilots for a Top 15 neutral site match-up. Looking to start the 2024-2025 season off on the right foot, the Eagles needed to be strong and fast in order to take down a physical Pilot team.

Starting off quickly, the first half consisted off back and forth lead changes as both teams looked to drive the ball into the paint in order to score. Being outrebounded and outshot by the Pilots in the first half resulted in the Eagles trailing 33-39 after the first 20 minutes of play. With a quick break, the Eagles were back on the floor for the final 20 minutes, coming alive and outplaying the Pilots with every drive.

A 54% field goal percentage, along with Jaden Lietzke' s phenomenal performance, the Eagles were able to rally back in the second half and take home a season opener win of 82-72. Jaden Lietzke was a work horse for the Eagles in his 35 minutes of play, ending his game with 33 points and 11 rebounds. Along with Lietzke, Derrick Talton Jr. and Jaden Wilson were excellent for the Eagles. Talton Jr. and Wilson both ending their night with 13 points and combining for 14 rebounds. On the defensive side, Nick Bene was fantastic under the goal for the Eagles, accumulating 12 rebounds in his 25 minutes of play.

The Eagles are back in action this upcoming  Wednesday as they hit the road until November 16^th for a match-up against MidAmerican Nazarene in Lathe, Kansas.