Davlakou’s Historic Performance Not Enough as USAO Loses by One at Nelson University

WAXAHACHIE, Texas – Saturday afternoon, the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma (14-3, 9-2 SAC) had their seven-game win streak snapped with a tough 92-91 loss on the road at Nelson University (13-3, 9-3 SAC).

With the loss, the Drovers are in a tie at the top of the Sooner Athletic Conference standings with Langston University, whom USAO defeated in early December. USAO will face each conference opponent twice during the regular season, with the top eight teams advancing to the Sooner Athletic Conference Tournament.  

On Saturday, the Lions jumped out to an early lead and held a 13-9 advantage midway through the first quarter. After trailing by as many as nine, the Drovers trimmed the deficit to 26-22 going into the second quarter. USAO turned up the heat on both ends of the court, outscoring Nelson 19-15 to even the score at 41-41 after 20 minutes of action.

Following halftime, the Lions used a hot start to hold an eight-point lead, but the Drovers recovered and took a 56-55 lead with 4:14 to play in the third quarter. However, Nelson closed the quarter on a 17-8 run and took a 72-64 advantage into the fourth.

The Lions controlled an 87-76 lead with 4:28 remaining, but the Drovers quickly fought back used an 11-3 to cut the deficit to 90-87 with 37 seconds remaining. USAO pulled within one as Mya Brown knocked down a pair of free-throws with six seconds to go in regulation. Nelson converted on a pair of free-throws to stretch their lead to three with four seconds on the clock. USAO scored on a late layup from Evangelia Davlakou, but the buzzer sounded before the Drovers could create another scoring opportunity.

USAO's offense closed the game shooting 33-76 (.434) from the field, 9-30 (.300) from beyond the arc, and 16-19 (.842) from the free-throw line. In comparison, Nelson shot 34-67 (.507) from the field, 17-35 (.486) from deep, and 7-12 (.507) from the charity stripe.

The Drovers scored 36 points in the paint and hauled in 40 rebounds. In comparison, the Lions scored 26 points in the paint and grabbed 30 rebounds.

USAO committed 16 turnovers, resulting in 20 points for Nelson, while the Lions fumbled the ball 20 times, leading to 21 points for the Drovers. USAO was whistled for 13 fouls, while Nelson was called for 16 violations.

The Drovers were led by Evangelia Davlakou's historic performance, concluding with 37 points, seven rebounds, five assists, and four steals. Her 37 points are tied for the third-most in program history, just two behind the program record, established by Milagros Carrera in 2022 against Langston University (39 points).

Nyapar Mathot produced her third consecutive double-double with 16 points on 5-6 shooting from the field, along with 11 rebounds. Trinity Humphrey concluded with 12 points, four rebounds, two assists, a block, and a steal, while Jordyn Rollins added 12 points, two rebounds, a block, and a steal.

Chaniya Felton closed with nine points, six rebounds, four assists, and three steals. Mya Brown finished with three points, seven rebounds, and five assists, followed by Ti'Alone Banks with two points and three rebounds.

WHAT'S NEXT?

The Drovers will return to Brisco McPherson Court on Monday, January 19 as they host MACU. Tip-off is scheduled for 2:00 PM CT inside Drover Fieldhouse.

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