Drovers Deliver Legendary Performance in Victory Against MACU

CHICKASHA, Okla. – Saturday afternoon, the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma (16-6, 11-5 SAC) used a record-breaking performance to earn a 104-89 victory against Mid-America Christian University (16-6, 12-4 SAC). With the win, the Drovers improve to 19-17 against the Evangels all-time, dating back to January of 2008. With the win, USAO remains in a tie for fourth in the Sooner Athletic Conference standings, 3.5 games back of Langston University at the top, and only 1.0 game back of the No. 2 spot.

Both offenses were incredibly efficient, but USAO flexed their depth with a program-record of 10 different players knocking down a three-point shot. As a team, the Drovers hit 18 three-pointers, which is tied for the third most in a single game in program history.

The Evangels jumped out to an early lead in the opening minutes, but USAO was able to bounce back and took an 18-16 lead with 13:32 to play in the first half. The Drovers began to gain some separation late in the half and led by as many as 17, prior to taking a 54-37 lead into the break.

Following halftime, the Evangels began to chip away at the Drovers' lead and cut the deficit to 75-70 midway through the second half. MACU kept the score close down the stretch and only trailed 90-85 with 3:18 remaining in regulation. However, the Drovers caught fire and closed out the win on a 14-4 run over the final few minutes.

USAO's offense finished the game shooting 34-61 (.557) from the field, 18-28 (.643) from beyond the arc, and 18-23 (.783) from the free-throw line. In comparison, MACU shot 35-63 (.556) from the field, 12-31 (.387) from deep, and only 7-12 (.583) from the charity stripe. 

The Drovers outrebounded the Evangels by a margin of 35-26, and 11 of USAO's rebounds came on the offensive end of the court. Despite dominating the glass, MACU was able to outscore the Drovers in the paint 40-28.

USAO committed 12 turnovers, which led to 22 points for MACU. Meanwhile, the Evangels fumbled the ball 11 times, resulting in 16 points for the Drovers. USAO was whistled for 13 fouls, and the Evangels were called for 17 infractions.

The Drover offense was led by six double-digit scoring performances, highlighted by Reggie Quezada's 24 points on 7-15 shooting from the field, including 3-6 from deep. Quezada knocked down seven of eight free-throw attempts, and he dished out five assists. 

Cade Allen contributed 13 points on 4-5 shooting from the field, including 3-3 from beyond the arc. Allen also dished out five assists and stole the ball three times on defense. 

Jaden Harrell concluded with 12 points on 3-6 shooting from the field and knocked down two of his three attempts from deep. Harrell also dished out a game-high of eight assists.

Rory Pantophlet finished one rebound shy of a double-double with 11 points and nine rebounds. Manny Gatkek also finished with 11 points, followed by Logan Dolan with 10. Niieihii BlackBear closed with eight points and a couple of highlight reel dunks. 

Jayden Patcha knocked down a three pointer and finished with five points, followed by Jaden Causwell with four points. Ryein Kennedy and Cejay Mann also knocked down one three-pointer each.  

WHAT'S NEXT?

The Drovers will now hit the road for a double-header at Oklahoma Panhandle State University on Thursday, February 8. The women's game is scheduled for 6:00 PM CT, followed by the men's game at 7:45 PM in Goodwell, Okla.

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