Pantophlet’s Inspiring Performance Pushes Drovers to Victory at Evangel

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – Monday evening, the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma (2-1, 0-0 SAC) stayed hot with an impressive 90-84 victory on the road at Evangel University (0-2, 0-0 KCAC). The Drovers are now 3-2 against the Valor all-time, dating back to November 2014.

Both teams traded baskets early and midway through the half the score was tied 22-22. The USAO offense continued their hot shooting and took a 51-44 lead into the break.

Anthony Ray delivered an incredible performance in the first half, scoring 21 points on 8-11 shooting from the field and 5-6 from three-point range. Rory Pantophlet also had a productive opening half, delivering 13 points on 6-6 shooting, along with six rebounds. 

Following halftime, the Drovers got off to a hot start and extended their lead to as many as 12 with 17:02 remaining in the game. However, the Valor began to cut into the lead and with 10 minutes to play, USAO held a narrow 71-67 lead. Evangel was finally able to bring the score even at 75-75 with 6:48 to play and they took their first lead of the second half at 83-82 with 3:07 to go in regulation. The Drovers would then catch fire and go on an 8-0 run to wrap up the big victory in a hostile environment.

Offensively, the Drovers were sensational, shooting 36-60 (.600) from the field and 7-13 (.550) from deep, while Evangel went 32-66 (.485) from the field and 9-31 (.290) from beyond the arc. So far this season, USAO has been incredibly efficient shooting the ball, going 93-182 (.511) from the field, 25-57 (.439) from deep, and 38-46 (.826) from the free-throw line.

USAO held a large 38-24 advantage in the rebounding battle, which included 13 offensive rebounds for the Drovers. 

The Drovers were whistled for 11 fouls, and the Valor were called for 14 infractions. USAO was had an off-night at the free-throw line, going 7-13, and EU went 11-14 (.786) at the charity stripe. 

The Drovers were led by Rory Pantophlet's inspiring performance. In only his third game since returning from a major knee injury, which sidelined him for the entire 2022-23 season, Pantophlet delivered a nearly perfect performance. The big man put on a show at Evangel, tallying 23 points on 10-10 shooting from the field, and he also hauled in 10 rebounds for his first double-double of the season. Through three games, Pantophlet is averaging 12.7 points and 8.7 rebounds per game. 

Anthony Ray also delivered a big performance, concluding with 23 points on 9-14 shooting from the field, including 5-7 from deep. Additionally, Ray hauled in five rebounds and dished out three assists. 

Manny Gatkek finished the night with 12 points and six rebounds, followed by Tre Edwards with 10 points and four assists. Despite not scoring a ton of points, Reggie Quezada still made a massive impact on the game as he concluded with six points and twelve assists. 

Cade Allen shot 2-3 from beyond the arc and recorded eight points off the bench. Jayden Patcha closed with five points, four rebounds, and three assists. Jaden Causwell went 1-2 from deep to finish with three points. 

WHAT'S NEXT?

The Drovers will return to action on Thursday, November 9 as they play an exhibition at University of Texas El Paso (NCAA DI). Tip-off is scheduled for 6:00 PM CT inside the Don Haskins Center in El Paso, Texas. If you can't attend the game in person, be sure to watch the game on ESPN+.

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