Ray Shines as USAO Extends Win-Streak to Five

CHICKASHA, Okla. – Tuesday night, the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma (5-1, 0-0 SAC) extended their win-streak to five with gutsy 78-72 victory against Tabor College (3-4, 0-2 KCAC). Despite only knocking down two three-pointers, USAO used strong defense and dominance in the paint to collect the non-conference win.  

Both teams traded baskets in the opening minutes of the contest, but USAO began to pull away, leading by as many as 10 with 51 second to play in the first half. In control of the momentum, the Drovers took a 38-29 lead into halftime.

Following the break, Tabor continued to try to fight their way back into the game, but USAO did a tremendous job at withstanding any scoring run that they Bluejays would go on. Tabor narrowly outscored USAO in the second half (43-40), but it was too little, too late for the squad from Kansas. 

The usually efficient USAO offense finished the game shooting a respectable 32-62 (.516) from the field, but a dreadful 2-16 (.125) from beyond the arc, and only 12-21 (.571) from the free-throw line. In comparison, Tabor shot 26-63 (.413) from the field, 5-19 (.263) from deep, and 15-23 (.652) from the charity stripe. 

USAO held a large 46-32 advantage in the rebounding battle, which included 12 offensive rebounds for the Drovers. Furthermore, the Drovers outscored the Bluejays in the paint 52-34.

The Drovers were whistled for 19 fouls, and the Bluejays were called for 18 infractions, and USAO committed 12 turnovers, while Tabor fumbled the ball 11 times. 

Anthony Ray led the USAO offense with 22 points on 8-15 shooting from the field. Additionally, Ray tallied game-highs of four steals and two blocks. 

Jayden Patcha contributed 13 points on 5-6 shooting, followed by Reggie Quezada with 11 points and three assists. Tre Edwards finished with 10 points, three assists, and three steals.  

Jaden Harrell closed with five points, three rebounds, and four assists.

Manny Gatkek finished with four points and 10 rebounds, while Rory Pantophlet and Zach Hays each had four points and six rebounds. Cade Allen scored three points and Tyler Cauley scored two points. 

WHAT'S NEXT?

The Drovers will be back in at Brisco McPherson Court on Thursday, November 30 as they host their annual Teddy Bear Toss game and conference-opener against SAGU. The women's game is scheduled to tip-off at 6:00 PM CT, followed by the men's game at 7:45 PM at Drover Fieldhouse.

Additionally, the USAO Athletic Department will be conducting a toy drive, in association with Droverthon. Donation boxes will be located at the admissions office, inside of Troutt Hall, as well as at the ticket gate. The toys will be donated to OU Children's Hospital, and each person that donates an unopened/new toy for the toy drive will get into that day's games for free.

Furthermore, there will be a Teddy Bear Toss at halftime of the women's game, and all stuffed animals will be donated to the local Salvation Army. Bring a stuffed animal to donate and you'll get into the games for FREE.

Stay up to date on all Drover 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