Late Lead Slips Away in SAC Quarterfinal at MACU

OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla. – Thursday evening, the No. 5 seeded University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma (19-10, 15-7 SAC) had a late lead slip away and suffered a disappointing 72-66 loss at No. 4 seed Mid-America Christian University (22-7, 15-7 SAC). 

The Drovers got off to a hot start and held a 6-0 lead less than two minutes into the game, but MACU responded with a 9-0 run to claim a lead midway through the first quarter. The score stayed close in the final minutes of the opening quarter and the Evangels held a slim 15-13 lead after 10 minutes of action. The Drovers turned things around and reclaimed the lead early in the second quarter and held a 25-23 lead midway through the quarter. MACU used a late three-pointer to take a 34-33 lead into the break.

Following halftime, both teams continued to trade baskets and MACU was able to cling to a 51-50 advantage going into the fourth quarter. USAO got hot in the fourth quarter and held a 66-61 lead with 1:54 remaining in the game, but MACU was able to use an 11-0 run to put the Drovers away.

The back-and-forth contest featured 12 ties and 13 lead changes.

USAO's offense closed the game shooting 25-58 (.431) from the field, 8-18 (.444) from beyond the arc, and 8-9 (.889) from the free-throw line. In comparison, MACU shot 25-61 (.410) from the field, 11-37 (.297) from deep, and 11-14 (.786) from the charity stripe. 

The Drovers narrowly won the rebounding battle 37-36, and both teams scored 24 points in the paint. 

USAO committed 10 turnovers, which led to six points for MACU. Meanwhile, the Evangels fumbled the ball seven times, resulting in only three points for USAO. The Drovers were whistled for 15 fouls, while the Evangels were called for 14 violations.

 USAO's offense was led by four double-digit scoring performances. Lainey Morrow finished with a team-high of 19 points, along with eight rebounds, and a pair of steals. Diaka Berete contributed 17 points and eight rebounds, followed by Crystal Ortiz with 13 points and 10 rebounds. The double-double was the fifth of the season for Ortiz. Brayanna Polk added 10 points and two assists.

Tonijah Fortune contributed five points off the bench and Trinitee Alexander scored two points. 

WHAT'S NEXT?

The Drovers now await the NAIA Selection Show to determine whether they will qualify for the NAIA Women's Basketball National Championship tournament. The selection show can be watched on the NAIA's YouTube channel on Thursday, March 7 at 7:00 PM CT.

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