Late Lead Slips Away Against Wayland Baptist

CHICKASHA, Okla. – Saturday afternoon, the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma (5-10, 1-8 SAC) battled hard but was ultimately dealt an 83-78 loss against Wayland Baptist University (11-4, 5-4SAC). 

USAO jumped out to an early lead, but WBU would respond with a run of their own to tie the score at 14-14 midway through the first half. However, the Pioneers would use a 12-2 run to gain separation and proceeded to take a 41-31 advantage into the second half. 

Following the break, the Drovers began to get hot midway through the second half and trailed by six points (57-51) with 10:58 remaining in regulation. The momentum continued as USAO overcame their deficit to take a 67-65 lead with only 5:24 to play.

With 1:49 to go, the Drovers were in front 74-73, but the Pioneers managed to knock down a pair of threes and closed the contest on a 10-5 run to claim the win.

At the conclusion of the contest, USAO's offense shot only 29-61 (.475) from the field, 8-25 (.320) from beyond the arc, and only 12-15 (.800) from the free-throw line. In comparison, WBU shot 30-62 (.484) from the field, 11-27 (.407) from deep, and 12-17 (.706) from the charity stripe. 

The Drovers scored 42 points in the paint and hauled in 31 rebounds. In comparison, the Pioneers scored 38 points in the paint and grabbed 34 rebounds. 

USAO committed 11 turnovers, which led to 18 points for WBU. Meanwhile, the Pioneers fumbled the ball 12 times, resulting in 12 points for the Drovers. Both teams were whistled for 17 fouls. 

Three different Drovers scored in double digits, highlighted by Mohand Ammad's fourth double-double of the season. Ammad concluded with 21 points on 8-14 shooting from the field, along with 12 rebounds, three assists, and a pair of steals. Elijah Burney contributed 16 points on 5-9 shooting, in addition to four rebounds and a pair of assists. Lendy Holmes finished with 12 points, five rebounds, and three assists. 

Brett Nix provided a spark off the bench with nine points on 3-6 shooting from deep. Roman Lutton was also solid off the bench, chipping in six points, four rebounds, and a pair of assists. 

Bryce Cowns and Chris Yapo each scored five points, followed by Jamouri McCalister and Steve Tatsiguia with two points apiece. 

WHAT'S NEXT?

The Drovers will return to Brisco McPherson Court on Thursday, January 15 as they host Texas Wesleyan University. Tip-off is scheduled for 8:00 PM CT inside Drover Fieldhouse.

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