Drovers Overcome 17-Point Deficit to Drop MACU

CHICKASHA, Okla. – Thursday night, the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma (12-11, 9-8 SAC) snapped a 6-game losing streak with a thrilling 64-63 comeback victory against Mid-America Christian University (9-14, 6-11 SAC). With the win, the Drovers have defeated the Evangels seven times in a row, dating back to January 7, 2021. Additionally, the Drovers pulled into the lead in the all-time series, having won 18 of the 35 meetings between the rivals. 

The Drovers jumped out to an early lead in the opening minutes of the contest, but the Evangels began to grasp control, holding a 22-15 lead midway through the first half. MACU continued to control the pace late in the half and led by as many as 17, prior to taking a comfortable 39-25 lead into the break. 

Following halftime, Science & Arts opened the half on a 14-1 run to cut the deficit to 40-39 with 15:57 to play in regulation. Midway through the half, the Drovers were finally able to claim a 49-48 lead.

The final 10 minutes of action were absolute chaos, featuring four ties and SEVEN lead changes. 

With 2:14 to play, MACU clung to a 63-59 lead, but USAO was able to close out the game on a 5-0 run to claim to victory against their rival from down the road. 

As a team, the Drovers shot 20-51 (.392) from the field, and 9-29 (.310) from three-point range. In the first half, USAO shot just 2-14 from deep, but turned things around and went 7-15 in the second half. 

In comparison, the Evangels shot 27-59 (.458) from the field, and 7-22 (.318) from deep. 

MACU held a 42-31 advantage in the rebounding battle, but the Drovers forced the Evangels into committing 15 turnovers, while only fumbling the ball nine times themselves.

USAO was whistled for 10 fouls and MACU was called on 17 infractions. The Evangels went only 2-8 (.250) from the free-throw line, while USAO went 15-19 (.789) from the charity stripe.

Samkelo Cele delivered his 10^th 20-point performance of the season, concluding with 24 points on 6-13 shooting from the field, 2-4 from three-point range, and 10-12 at the free-throw line. Cele also hauled in four rebounds and stole the ball three times on defense.

Cade Allen was a huge spark in the second half, when he recorded nine of his 11 points. Allen concluded 4-7 from the field and 3-6 from deep.

Jaden Harrell contributed a terrific performance, producing nine points on 3-6 shooting, and he dished out seven assists. Harrell was also tenacious on defense, stealing the ball three times. 

Tyler Cauley also played a key roll off the bench, closing with seven points and four rebounds. Cejay Mann finished with five points and a pair of rebounds, followed by Gerard Makuntae with four points and seven rebounds. 

WHAT'S NEXT?

The Drovers will be back in action on Saturday, February 4 as they travel to Southwestern Christian University. Tip-off is scheduled for 3:45 PM in Bethany, Okla. 

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