Drovers Lead From Start to Finish Against SCU

CHICKASHA, Okla. – Thursday night, the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma (2-2, 1-0 SAC) opened conference play with a thrilling 79-74 victory against Southwestern Christian University (2-2, 0-1 SAC). With the win, the Drovers improve to 23-5 against the Eagles all-time, dating back to January of 2014. Furthermore, USAO has won each of the last 15 against SCU since 2019.

The Drovers never trailed in Thursday's matchup, with USAO leading by as many as 18 midway through the second half. 

 On Thursday, the Drovers got off to a terrific start, opening the game on a 7-0 run and led 25-16 with 10 minutes to go in the first half. 

Following halftime, the Eagles slowly chipped away at the lead and trimmed their deficit to 67-55 midway through the second half. SCU continued to have the hot hand, and only trailed by three points (74-71) with 2:01 to play in regulation. The Drovers were tough on defense in the final minutes and never allowed the Eagles to get any closer, wrapping up the first conference-victory of the season.

USAO's offense closed the game shooting 25-58 (.431) from the field, 7-16 (.438) from beyond the arc, and 22-27 (.815) from the free-throw line. In comparison, SCU shot 25-72 (.347) from the field, 8-29 (.276) from deep, and 16-21 (.762) from the charity stripe. 

The Drovers scored 20 points in the paint and hauled in 43 rebounds. In comparison, the Eagles scored 28 points in the paint and grabbed 44 rebounds. 

Both teams took good care of the basketball, with USAO committing six turnovers, which led to four points for SCU. Meanwhile, the Eagles fumbled the ball five times, resulting in seven points for the Drovers.

Both teams were whistled for 19 fouls.

Four different Drovers scored in double figures in the win, led by Cade Allen with 17 points on 4-8 shooting from three-point range. Allen also dished out four assists.

Mohand Ammad finished one rebound shy of a double-double with 16 points, nine rebounds, and four assists. Ammad was clutch at the charity stripe, going 10-12.

Tyler Cauley was very efficient, scoring 15 points on 7-10 shooting from the field. Cauley also hauled in five rebounds and dished out two assists. 

Ryein Kennedy was great off the bench, adding 13 points and three rebounds in 11 minutes of action off the bench. Kennedy shot 4-6 from the field and 2-3 from deep.

Manny Gatkek scored nine points and grabbed four rebounds, while Tre Edwards scored six points and hauled in four boards. 

Jaden Harrell dished out a team-high of six assists, along with four rebounds and two points. Lendy Holmes hauled in seven rebounds, and Roman Lutton scored one point. 

WHAT'S NEXT?

The Drovers return to action on Monday, Nov. 18 as they travel to Waxahachie, Texas to face Nelson University. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:45 PM CT inside the Sheaffer Center, located on the campus of NU.

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