Late Lead Slips Away at OCU

OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla. – Saturday afternoon, the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma (18-8, 13-7 SAC) suffered a disappointing 80-72 loss at Oklahoma City University (9-17, 7-13 SAC). With the loss, the Drovers have emerged victorious in seven of the last 11 meetings against the Stars and USAO holds a slim 18-17 advantage in the all-time series, which dates back to January of 2008. Additionally, USAO drops to fifth place in the Sooner Athletic Conference standings, 6.0 games back of Langston University at the top, and 1.5 game back of second place with two games remaining in the regular season.

The Drovers led for majority of the contest but saw a late lead slip away in the second half. USAO took a 36-29 lead into halftime and led by as many as 12 with 13:00 minutes remaining in the game. However, the Stars quickly erased their deficit and led by as many as 10 with 1:15 remaining in regulation, prior to closing out the win on their home court.

Neither offense shined in the contest, with USAO's offense shooting 27-71 (.380) from the field, 13-35 (.371) from beyond the arc, and 5-8 (.625) from the free-throw line. In comparison, OCU shot 31-76 (.408) from the field, 5-18 (.278) from deep, and 13-14 (.929) from the charity stripe. 

The Drovers outrebounded the Stars by a slim margin of 44-42, but OCU outscored USAO in the paint by a wide margin of 50-16. 

USAO committed 13 turnovers, which led to nine points for OCU. Meanwhile, the Stars fumbled the ball only six times, resulting in five points for the Drovers. USAO was whistled for 15 fouls, and the Stars were called for nine infractions.

USAO was led by a trio of double-digit scoring performances from Reggie Quezada, Cade Allen, and Rory Pantophlet. Quezada concluded with 23 points and six rebounds, followed by Cade Allen with 16 points and three rebounds. Rory Pantophlet contributed 12 points and seven rebounds. 

Ryein Kennedy scored eight points in 11 minutes off the bench. Jaden Harrell hauled in a team-high of 11 rebounds, along with four points and five assists. Jayden Patcha scored five points and grabbed three rebounds, while Tyler Cauley added four points and two boards.

WHAT'S NEXT?

The Drovers will return to action on Thursday, February 22 as they host a double-header against Central Christian College. Tip-off of the women's game is scheduled for 6:00 PM CT, followed by the men's game at 7:45 PM inside Drover Fieldhouse. 

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