Drovers Overcome 14-Point Second Half Deficit in Road Win at SCU

BETHANY, Okla. – Saturday afternoon, the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma (7-2, 2-1 SAC) earned their seventh victory in the last eight games with a thrilling 96-93 overtime win on the road at Southwestern Christian University (0-5, 0-3 SAC). With the win, the Drovers improve to 21-5 against the Eagles all-time, dating back to January of 2014. Additionally, USAO has emerged victorious in each of the last 13 games against SCU.

 The Drovers got off to a solid start and held a 25-18 lead midway through the first half. However, the Eagles began to heat up and were able to hit a three-pointer as the buzzer sounded for a 42-39 lead after 20 minutes of action.

Following halftime, the Drovers struggled early and trailed 64-52 with 12:44 to play in regulation, but they began to cut into the deficit and only trailed 76-73 with 4:20 to play. Anthony Ray hit a clutch three-pointer with 3:20 remaining to tie the score at 76-76. Reggie Quezada knocked down a pair of free-throws to give the Drovers an 80-79 lead. USAO led 84-80, but SCU answered with a 5-0 run to regain the lead. Rory Pantophlet knocked down a free-throw with eight seconds left to tie the score at 85-85 and force overtime. 

USAO opened overtime on a 6-0 run, prior to withstanding SCU's best efforts in the extra five-minute period.

The USAO offense was less efficient than usual and finished the game shooting 31-74 (.419) from the field, 8-30 (.267) from beyond the arc, and 26-35 (.743) from the free-throw line. In comparison, SCU shot 36-73 (.493) from the field, 12-33 (.364) from deep, and 9-14 (.643) from the charity stripe. 

SCU held a slight 46-42 advantage in the rebounding battle, and the Eagles outscored the Drovers in the paint 44-40.

A major key to victory was USAO's ability to force SCU into committing 21 turnovers, which were converted into 25 points at the other end of the floor. The Drovers also did a good job at taking care of the ball, only fumbling the ball 12 times. 

The Drovers were whistled for 16 fouls, and the Eagles were called for 20 infractions. 

Four different Drovers scored in double figures, led by Reggie Quezada and Anthony Ray's 20-point performances. Quezada concluded with 22 points, four rebounds, four assists, and four steals. Ray neared a triple-double as he contributed 21 points, eight rebounds, and seven assists.

Rory Pantophlet recorded his second double-double of the season as he finished with 19 points and 10 rebounds. Logan Dolan provided 13 points in 22 minutes of action. 

Niieihii BlackBear added six points, followed by Cade Allen with five and Manny Gatkek with four. Jaden Harrell added three points and four assists, while Zach Hays added two points and five rebounds.

WHAT'S NEXT?

 The Drovers will return to the court on Monday, December 11 as they play on the road at Mid-America Christian University. The women are scheduled to tip-off at 6:00 PM CT, followed by the men at 7:45 PM in Oklahoma City, Okla.

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