Drovers Outlasts SCU to Collect Win No. 15

CHICKASHA, Okla. – Thursday night, the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma (15-6, 10-5 SAC) collected a hard-fought 73-69 win against Southwestern Christian University (1-16, 1-14 SAC). With the win, the Drovers improve to 22-5 against the Eagles all-time, dating back to January 2013. Furthermore, USAO has defeated SCU in each of their last 14 meetings since February of 2019.

With the win, USAO moves into a tie for fourth in the Sooner Athletic Conference standings, 3.5 games back of Langston University at the top. 

 Both offenses traded baskets early in the contest, and USAO held a slim 26-25 lead midway through the opening half. The Drovers maintained their advantage for the remainder of the half and took a 42-38 lead into the break.  

Following halftime, SCU used an 11-4 run to take a 49-42 lead with 14:53 remaining in the game. However, the Drovers slowly started to chip away at the deficit and were only down by two (66-64) with five minutes to play. USAO then closed out the game on a 9-3 run to edge SCU and claim the victory.

USAO finished the game shooting 25-67 (.373) from the field, 12-33 (.364) from beyond the arc, and 11-18 (.611) from the free-throw line. In comparison, SCU shot 26-59 (.441) from the field, 10-29 (.345) from deep, and only 7-16 (.438) from the charity stripe. 

The Drovers outrebounded the Eagles by a margin of 46-41, and 15 of USAO's rebounds came on the offensive end of the court. Despite dominating the glass, SCU was able to narrowly outscore the Drovers in the paint 32-26.

USAO committed 10 turnovers, which led to four points for SCU. Meanwhile, the Eagles fumbled the ball 12 times, resulting in 17 points for the Drovers. USAO was whistled for 13 fouls, and the Eagles were called for 14 infractions.

The Drovers were led by a trio of double-digit scoring performances from Reggie Quezada, Niieihii BlackBear, and Cade Allen. Quezada concluded only three assists shy of a triple-double as he contributed 16 points, 11 rebounds, and seven assists. BlackBear recorded his first double-double of the season with 12 points and 13 rebounds. Allen knocked down four three-pointers and finished with 14 points. 

Ryein Kennedy delivered his best performance of his young career, with seven points and six rebounds. 

Jaden Harrell dished out a game-high of 10 assists, in addition to six points and four rebounds. Anthony Ray, Cejay Mann, and Jaden Causwell each scored six points in the win. 

WHAT'S NEXT?

The Drovers will return to Brisco McPherson Court on Saturday, February 3 as they host the 3^rd annual Legends Day, celebrating the historic career of Bisco McPherson. USAO will face MACU in a double-header on the hardwood, with the women's game tipping off at 2:00 PM CT, followed by the men's game at 3:45 PM inside Drover Fieldhouse.

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