Turnovers Prove Costly in Season-Opener Against #7 Oklahoma Wesleyan

CHICKASHA, Okla. – Wednesday evening, the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma (0-1, 0-0 SAC) opened the 2023-24 season with tough 71-67 loss against No. 7 ranked Oklahoma Wesleyan University (2-0, 0-0 KCAC). 

In the tightly contested first half, the two teams traded the lead nine times, but USAO was able to cling to a 36-35 lead after 20 minutes of action.

Following halftime, the Drovers got off to a hot start and led by as many as eight points with 17:47 remaining in regulation. However, OKWU quickly began to gain momentum and cut into their deficit, prior to eventually pulled ahead down the stretch. The Eagles led by as many as eight with only 1:48, but USAO turned up the pressure and went on a rally to cut their deficit to only three with less than a minute remaining. OKWU used a couple of late free-throws to put the game away for good in the closing seconds.

Offensively, the Drovers outperformed the Eagles in every category, but turnovers and rebounding struggles led to defeat. USAO shot 23-58 (.397) from the field and 7-19 (.368) from deep, while OKWU only went 25-72 (.347) from the field and 2-15 (.133) from beyond the arc.

OKWU held a large 51-38 advantage in the rebounding battle, which included 24 offensive rebounds for the Eagles. Additionally, the Drovers committed 19 turnovers, 10 of which because of an OKWU steal. USAO forced OKWU into committing 12 turnovers, five of which came off steals. 

The Drovers were whistled for 21 fouls, and the Eagles called for 18 infractions. USAO finished a perfect 14-14 at the free-throw line, and OKWU went 19-26 (.731) at the charity stripe.

The Eagles dominated the painted area, outscoring the Drovers by a wide margin of 44-24 down low. OKWU scored on 20 second chance points, compared to USAO's four.

The Drovers were led by Reggie Quezada's 15 points, which included a 3-4 clip from three-point range. Quezada also contributed six rebounds and a pair of assists.

Cade Allen and Anthony Ray each concluded with 10 points on 4-8 shooting from the field, followed by Jayden Patcha with eight points.

Rory Pantophlet was solid in his first game since returning from injury, adding seven points and ten rebounds. 

Jaden Causwell finished with five points and a pair of assists, while Jaden Harrell closed with five points and eight assists.

Tyler Cauley scored four points, followed by Manny Gatkek with three points. Gatkek also chipped in two steals, two blocks, and four rebounds.

WHAT'S NEXT?

The Drovers will return to action for their Homecoming game against Arkansas Baptist College on Saturday, November 4 at 5:00 PM CT inside Drover Fieldhouse. Prior to the game at 4:15 PM, the university will be celebrating the 50^th Anniversary of Drover Athletics by welcoming back the men's basketball teams from 1973-74 and 1974-75.

As part of the Homecoming festivities, USAO will be premiering the new documentary Unfinished Business, the story of the early 2000's men's basketball teams that brought home the university's first NAIA national championship, inside Davis Hall Amphitheatre at 5:30 PM on Friday, November 3. Additionally, there will be a tailgate party on Saturday at 1:00 PM, prior to the start of the women's basketball game against Arlington Baptist University. During the tailgate party enjoy food, drinks, and games provided by the Interurban Express food truck, Popworth's Kettle Corn, and the USAO beer garden.

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