Short-Handed Drovers Extend Win Streak to Seven

CHICKASHA, Okla. – Thursday night, the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma (14-2, 9-1 SAC) earned their seventh win in a row with a 77-60 triumph against Texas Wesleyan University (7-10, 3-8 SAC). With the win, the Drovers improve to 12-14 against the Rams in head-to-head matchups since December 2010. 

Additionally, the Drovers now sit alone at the top of the Sooner Athletic Conference standings, as the only one loss team in the league. USAO will face each conference opponent twice during the regular season, and they have faced every team once so far, besides Nelson University. 

The Drovers haven't just been winning games, they have been DOMINATING games, with an average scoring margin of +18.2.

Due to some injuries, the Drovers were even more short-handed than normal for Thursday's game, competing with only seven healthy players. No matter the excuse, USAO just keeps finding ways to win by wide margins.

The Drovers got off to a slow start and trailed 12-11 midway through the opening quarter. However, USAO closed the quarter on a 10-3 run to hold a 21-15 advantage after 10 minutes of action. The Drovers maintained their lead in the second quarter, outscoring the Rams 17-14 to take a 38-29 lead into the break.

Following halftime, the Rams began to cut into the Drovers' lead and USAO's lead was down to seven (45-38) midway through the period. The Drovers caught fire in the closing minutes, using a 11-5 run to take a 56-43 advantage into the fourth. USAO led by as many as 24 with 4:48 remaining and proceeded to put the finishing touches on their eighth win at home this season (8-0).

USAO's offense closed the game shooting 30-74 (.405) from the field, 7-19 (.368) from beyond the arc, and 10-12 (.833) from the free-throw line. In comparison, Texas Wesleyan shot 23-67 (.343) from the field, 3-20 (.150) from deep, and 11-20 (.550) from the charity stripe. 

The Drovers scored 44 points in the paint and hauled in 46 rebounds. In comparison, the Rams scored 32 points in the paint and grabbed 32 rebounds.

USAO committed 16 turnovers, resulting in 16 points for TX WES, while the Rams fumbled the ball 15 times, leading to 14 points for the Drovers. USAO was whistled for 18 fouls, while TX WES was called for 17 violations.

All seven players scored for the Drovers and they each played at least 21 minutes in the win. Chaniya Felton led the way with 22 points and five steals. Nyapar Mathot produced her second consecutive double-double with 17 points and 15 rebounds. Evangelia Davlakou produced 16 points, six rebounds, five assists, and a pair of steals. 

Mya Brown contributed nine points, six assists, and five steals, trailed by Ti'Alone Banks with eight points and nine rebounds. Jordyn Rollins scored three points and hauled in six rebounds, while Trinity Humphrey added two points and seven rebounds. 

WHAT'S NEXT?

The Drovers will now hit the road and travel to Waxahachie, Texas on Saturday, Jan. 17 at Nelson University. Tip-off is scheduled for 2:00 PM CT.

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