Quiet Fourth Quarter Leads to Defeat Against MACU

CHICKASHA, Okla. – Thursday evening, the No. 19 ranked University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma (20-3, 14-3 SAC) suffered their third loss of the season with a 77-56 performance against Mid-America Christian University (19-4, 13-4 SAC). 

The Drovers held an early lead in the tightly contested first quarter, and after five minutes of action USAO held an 11-7 lead. The lead was exchanged several times in the opening quarter, but the score was locked at 19-19 going into the second. 

Despite USAO's hot start to the quarter, MACU began to gain separation in the second, outscoring the Drovers 25-17 in the frame, to take a 44-36 lead into the break. 

Following halftime, the Drovers used a strong start to claw their way back into the game, and tied the score at 49-49 with 2:23 to play in the third quarter. However, the Evangels took control once more and did not let up. MACU held a 57-53 going into the fourth quarter.

MACU thoroughly dominated the final 10 minutes of action, outscoring USAO by a margin of 20-3.

At the conclusion of the game, the Drovers shot 20-55 (.364) from the field, and 6-16 (.375) from three-point range. In comparison, the Evangels went 26-68 (.382) from the field, and 9-27 (.333) from deep.

Science & Arts held a slim 46-45 advantage in the rebounding battle, but MACU outscored USAO in the paint 34-24. 

MACU's defense forced USAO to commit 20 turnovers, while committing only 11 themselves. The Evangels scored 22 points off turnovers, and the Drovers only tallied two points off turnovers.

Furthermore, Science & Arts was whistled for 19 fouls, while MACU was called for 17 infractions. USAO struggled at the free-throw line, going 10-17 (.588), and the Evangels went 16-23 (.696).

Despite the loss, Diaka Berete delivered an incredible individual performance, tallying 23 points on 7-13 shooting from the field and 4-7 from beyond the arc. Additionally, Berete was 5-5 at the free-throw line. 

Trinitee Alexander added 12 points and a pair of blocks, followed by Lainey Morrow with nine points and nine rebounds. 

WHAT'S NEXT?

The Drovers will be back in action on Saturday, February 4 as they travel to Southwestern Christian University. Tip-off is scheduled for 2:00 PM in Bethany, Okla. 

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