Second Half Rally Falls Short in NAIA Tournament Against No. 4 Evangel

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – Friday evening, the No. 13 seed University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma (19-11, 14-8 SAC) battled valiantly but had their season brough to an end with a 79-74 loss in the NAIA National Tournament First Round on the road at No. 4 seed Evangel University (28-2, 21-1 KCAC).

The Drovers got off to a rough start and trailed 12-7 midway through the first quarter, prior to the Valor possessing a 25-16 advantage going into the second. USAO outscored Evangel 18-15 in the second quarter to trim their deficit to 40-34 at the break.

Following halftime, the Drovers opened on a 12-0 run to claim their first lead of the game (46-40). However, the Valor regained momentum and took a 56-53 lead into the fourth quarter. Evangel outscored USAO 23-21 in the final 10 minutes to wrap up the win and advance in the tournament.

USAO's offense closed the game shooting 25-56 (.446) from the field, 5-14 (.357) from beyond the arc, and 19-32 (.594) from the free-throw line. In comparison, Evangel shot 27-81 (.333) from the field, 6-28 (.214) from deep, and 19-28 (.679) from the charity stripe.

The Drovers scored 38 points in the paint and hauled in 44 rebounds. In comparison, the Valor scored 34 points in the paint and grabbed 54 rebounds.

USAO committed 22 turnovers, resulting in 28 points for Evangel, while the Valor fumbled the ball 18 times, leading to 15 points for the Drovers. USAO was whistled for 25 fouls, while Valor were called for 23 violations.

Chaniya Felton led the Drovers with 29 points, nine rebounds, five steals, and a pair of blocks. Ti'Alone Banks followed with 18 points and eight rebounds off the bench. Evangelia Davlakou concluded with 10 points, four rebounds, and a pair of steals.

Nyapar Mathot added seven points and nine rebounds, trailed by Jordyn Rollins with six points and four rebounds. Mya Brown closed with four points, two rebounds, and two assists.

Stay up to date on all USAO Athletics news by following us on our media platforms!

Athletics Website: www.usaoathletics.com

Live-stream: www.sacsportsnetwork.com/usao

YouTube: Drover Athletics

Twitter/X: @DroverAthletics

Facebook: @DroverAthletics

Instagram: @drover_athletics

GIPHY: www.giphy.com/USAODrovers