Strong Defensive Effort Leads USAO to Victory at Arkansas Baptist

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – Saturday afternoon, the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma (4-1, 0-0 SAC) extended their win-streak to four with a 72-65 victory on the road at Arkansas Baptist College (3-5, 1-0 CAC). The Drovers and Buffaloes met earlier this season at Brisco McPherson Court and USAO cruised to a 92-64 triumph on Homecoming weekend.

 The Drovers got off to a decent start and held a 20-15 lead midway through the first half, but the lead slipped away and the score was tied at 32-32 going into the break.

Following halftime, the Buffaloes continued to keep the score close and USAO only held a 48-45 lead with 10 minutes to play in regulation. The Drovers closed the game strong and managed to pull away in the final minutes of the game. 

The USAO offense finished the game shooting 28-54 (.519) from the field and 4-14 (.286) from deep, while Arkansas Baptist went 19-54 (.352) from the field and 9-19 (.474) from beyond the arc. 

USAO held a large 46-21 advantage in the rebounding battle, which included 13 offensive rebounds for the Drovers. 

The Drovers were whistled for 22 fouls, and the Buffaloes were called for 20 infractions. USAO was went 12-22 (.545) at the free-throw line, while ABC went 18-26 (.692) at the line. 

Reggie Quezada once again led the USAO offense, recording 18 points on 8-11 shooting from the field, and he also hauled in a team-high of eight rebounds. 

Manny Gatkek concluded with 11 points on 4-6 shooting from the field. Gatkek also tallied seven rebounds and a pair of blocks. 

Jayden Patcha contributed 10 points and three rebounds, followed by Tre Edwards with nine points and five rebounds. Rory Pantophley added seven points and seven rebounds, while Jaden Causwell went 2-2 from deep and closed with six points and three rebounds. Jaden Harrell finished with three points and dished out a team-high of six assists. Tyler Cauley scored four points and Anthony Ray scored three.

WHAT'S NEXT?

The Drovers will be back in at Brisco McPherson Court on Tuesday, November 21 as they host a non-conference matchup against Tabor College. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:00 PM CT inside Drover Fieldhouse. 

Stay up to date on all Drover Athletics news by following us on our media platforms!

Athletics Website: www.usaoathletics.com

Live-stream: www.sacsportsnetwork.com/usao

YouTube: Drover Athletics

Twitter/X: @DroverAthletics

Facebook: @DroverAthletics

Instagram: @drover_athletics

GIPHY: www.giphy.com/USAODrovers