Drovers Lock Down on Defense to Take Down #11 Langston University

CHICKASHA, Okla. – Thursday night, the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma (6-1, 3-0 SAC) earned a thrilling 55-49 triumph against No. 11 ranked Langston University (8-2, 4-2 SAC). The Drovers improve to 13-10 against the Lions in head-to-head matchups since November 2008.

After the Lions held a brief lead in the opening minute of the game, the Drovers would lead for the remainder of the contest as they knocked off the top 15 opponent. USAO controlled a 7-4 lead prior to holding a 16-11 advantage at the end of the first quarter. The Drovers outscored the Lions 12-8 in the second quarter and took a 28-19 lead into halftime.

Following the break, USAO stretched the lead to as many as 17 points with 4:25 to play in the third quarter. However, the Lions began to fight back and closed the quarter on a 10-3 run. The Drovers took a 44-34 lead into the final 10 minutes of the game. The momentum continued for the Lions in the fourth quarter, outscoring the Drovers 15-11, but USAO's strong start proved to be the difference in the end.

USAO's offense closed the game shooting 19-56 (.339) from the field, 4-15 (.267) from beyond the arc, and 13-19 (.684) from the free-throw line. In comparison, Langston shot 16-59 (.271) from the field, 7-27 (.259) from deep, and only 10-26 (.385) from the charity stripe.

The Drovers scored 28 points in the paint and hauled in 41 rebounds. In comparison, the Lions scored 14 points in the paint and grabbed 35 rebounds.

USAO committed 19 turnovers, which led to 10 points for Langston. Meanwhile, the Lions fumbled the ball 18 times, resulting in 14 points for the Drovers.

USAO was whistled for 24 fouls, while Langston was called for 21 violations.

The USAO offense was led by a pair of 10-point performances from Chaniya Felton and Pashonnay Johnson. Felton also contributed three rebounds and five steals, while Johnson added six rebounds.

Ti'Alone Banks finished with nine points and a pair of steals.

Evangelia Davlakou, Jordyn Rollins, and Nyapar Mathot each concluded with five points. Davlakou grabbed five rebounds and seven assists. Rollins grabbed seven rebounds and Mathot hauled in six boards, along with two blocks.

Mya Brown and Trinity Humphrey each tallied four points. Hannah Harris hauled in a game-high of 10 rebounds, along with three points.

WHAT'S NEXT?

The Drovers will now head north to Central Christian College for a matchup on Saturday, Dec. 6. Tip-off is scheduled for 2:00 PM CT in McPherson, Kan.

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