Harrell’s Record-Setting Performance Leads USAO to Victory Against College of the Ozarks

CHICKASHA, Okla. – Thursday night, the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma (9-14, 7-12 SAC) earned a crucial 92-76 triumph against College of the Ozarks (8-14, 6-13 SAC). Furthermore, Jaden Harrell made program history, by setting a new single-game record with 16 assists, and he became the program's all-time leader in career assists with 418.

With five games remaining in the regular season, the Drovers sit in 10^th place in the Sooner Athletic Conference standings. The top eight teams in the conference qualify for the conference tournament, and the top four seeded teams will host the first round, prior to the tournament being moved to Langston University for the semifinals and finals. 

On Thursday, both teams came out firing on offense, exchanging the lead seven times in the first half, prior to USAO holding onto the lead for good. The Drovers scored a season high of 53 points in the first half and took a 53-37 advantage into halftime. 

Following the break, the teams traded baskets, and each team tallied 39 points in the second half. USAO led by as many as 24 points midway through the second half, prior to closing out the 16-point victory.

USAO's offense closed the game shooting 34-67 (.507) from the field, 11-32 (.344) from beyond the arc, and 13-18 (.722) from the free-throw line. In comparison, College of the Ozarks shot 28-59 (.475) from the field, 11-30 (.367) from deep, and 9-10 (.900) from the charity stripe. 

The Drovers scored 38 points in the paint and hauled in 40 rebounds. In comparison, the Bobcats scored 30 points in the paint and grabbed 27 rebounds. 

USAO committed only three turnovers, which led to four points for Ozarks. Meanwhile, the Bobcats fumbled the ball nine times, resulting in 16 points for the Drovers.

USAO was whistled for 11 fouls, while Ozarks was called for 12 violations.

The Drover offense was highlighted by Jaden Harrell's record-setting performance, concluding with four points, eight rebounds, and 16 assists. Harrell's 16 assists surpass the previous single-game record of 14, set by Markens Charles against Texas Wesleyan in 2014. The point guard also eclipsed the program's record for most assists in a career with 418, passing his former teammate Stephon Hall. Furthermore, he currently ranks first in the Sooner Athletic Conference with 5.4 assists per game.

Four of USAO's five starters scored in double-figures, led by Cade Allen's incredible 24-point performance. Allen shot 7-13 from the field, and 6-12 from three-point range, in addition to four rebounds, three assists, and three steals. 

Mohand Ammad concluded with 19 points and seven rebounds, while Ryein Kennedy added 15 points, four rebounds, and three blocks. Tyler Cauley finished with 10 points and three assists.

Tre Edwards closed with seven points, followed by Chok Garang with four points. Tatum Ridge scored three points, while Roman Lutton, Manny Gatkek, and Lendy Holmes each scored two points. 

WHAT'S NEXT?

The Drovers will return to Brisco McPherson court on Saturday, February 8 as they host a double-header against John Brown University. The women's game is scheduled to tip-off at 2:00 PM CT, followed by the men's game at 3:45 PM CT inside Drover Fieldhouse. 

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