Drovers Overwhelm Central Christian on Senior Day

CHICKASHA, Okla. – Saturday afternoon, the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma (15-11, 12-8 SAC) delivered an exciting performance, with an 87-65 victory against Central Christian College (7-19, 5-15 SAC). The Drovers are now 9-2 all-time against the Tigers, dating back to 2017.

With two games remaining in the regular season, the Drovers sit in fifth place in the Sooner Athletic Conference standings. At the conclusion of the regular season, the top eight teams will advance to the SAC Tournament.

Central Christian scored the first basket of the game, but the Drovers would not trail for the rest of the contest. Midway through the first half, USAO held a 21-17 lead and proceeded to take a 43-36 lead into the break. 

Following halftime, the Drovers dominated the pace of play and outscored the Tigers 44-29 in the final 20 minutes of action.

As a team, the Drovers shot 33-67 (.493) from the field, and just 9-27 (.333) from three-point range. In comparison, the Tigers shot 26-70 (.371) from the field, and 7-30 (.233) from deep. USAO held a slim 44-42 advantage in the rebounding battle, and the Drovers committed seven turnovers, while the Tigers fumbled the ball 10 times.

USAO was whistled for 12 fouls and CCC was called on 13 infractions. The Tigers went 6-12 (.500) from the free-throw line, while USAO went 12-14 (.857) from the charity stripe.

Three different Drovers scored in double figures, led by Samkelo Cele's 32-point performance. Cele shot 11-16 from the field, 3-5 from beyond the arc, and 7-7 from the free throw line. 

Gerard Makuntae recorded his ninth double-double (3 in a row), with 11 points and 13 rebounds. Makuntae also dished out six assists. Cade Allen also finished with 11 points.

Cajay Mann closed with nine points and five rebounds, followed by Tyler Cauley with eight points, three assists, and two steals. 

Logan Dolan added six points and Jace Hollingshed scored four points. Tre Edwards concluded with three points, while Jaden Harrell added three points, five rebounds, and three assists.

--2023 SENIOR CLASS—

GERARD MAKUNTAE

In 128 games played, Makuntae has tallied 1134 points, 843 rebounds, 207 assists, 105 steals, and 126 blocks.

Makuntae is the ONLY player in program history to have recorded over 1000 points, 800 rebounds, and 200 assists.

Furthermore, G is the program's all-time leading rebounder, and earlier this season he became the 17th member of the program's 1000-point club.

During his time as a Drover, the team has compiled a record of 98-47, and he has led the program to 2 SAC Championships, in addition to 3 trips to the NAIA national tournament so far.

SAMKELO CELE

In 26 games played, Cele has tallied 525 points, 132 rebounds, and 33 steals.

LANGSTON GAITHER 

In 22 games played, Gaither has tallied 319 points, 157 rebounds, and 74 assists.

Gaither was selected as the SAC Player of the Week earlier this season, and he became the first Drovers of the last decade+ to record a triple-double.

WHAT'S NEXT?

The Drovers will hit the road for the final two games of the regular season, first battling Wayland Baptist University on Thursday, February 16, followed by the finale at Oklahoma Panhandle State University on Saturday, February 18. Tip-off at WBU is scheduled for 7:45 PM in Plainview, Texas.

Stay up to date on all Science & Arts Athletics news by following us on our media platforms!

Athletics Website: www.usaoathletics.com

Live-stream: www.sacsportsnetwork.com/usao

YouTube: Drover Athletics

Twitter: @DroverAthletics

Facebook: @DroverAthletics

Instagram: @drover_athletics

GIPHY: www.giphy.com/USAODrovers