Drovers Use Late Comeback to Collect Ninth Win in a Row Against the Tigers

MCPHERSON, Kan. – Thursday evening, the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma (11-3, 6-2 SAC) earned their sixth win in the last seven games with a thrilling 85-83 performance at Central Christian College (6-8, 3-5 SAC). With the victory, the Drovers have won each of the last nine games against CCC and improve to 10-2 against the Tigers all-time, dating back to December of 2017. In Thursday's matchup, USAO overcame a 13-point second half deficit to earn the hard-fought victory on the road.

Both teams traded baskets for the opening minutes of the contest, but the Tigers clung to a 17-16 advantage midway through the half. The Drovers gained momentum and briefly held a small lead, but CCC was able to bounce back and took a 42-37 lead into the break.

Following halftime, the Tigers were red hot to open the second half and led by as many as 13 with over 14 minutes left in the game, but USAO began to storm back and claimed a 61-59 lead midway through. The teams exchanged the lead multiple times down the stretch and the score was knotted at 80-80 with three minutes to play in regulation. The Drovers got a couple of big buckets late and outscored the Tigers 5-3 in the closing minutes of the game. 

USAO finished the game shooting 34-68 (.500) from the field, 7-21 (.333) from beyond the arc, and 10-14 (.714) from the free-throw line. In comparison, CCC shot 32-73 (.438) from the field, 8-23 (.348) from deep, and 11-16 (.688) from the charity stripe. 

The Tigers outrebounded the Drovers by a slim margin of 43-38, but USAO outscored CCC in the paint 46-42.

USAO forced CCC into committing 20 turnovers, which led to 23 points for the Drovers. The Tigers forced the Drovers into fumbling the ball 19 times, which led to 20 points for the home team form Kansas. The Drovers were whistled for 16 fouls, and the Tigers were called for 14 infractions.

Three different players scored in double figures for USAO, led by Reggie Quezada's 21-point performance. Quezada also hauled in five rebounds, dished out two assists, and stole the ball twice on defense. Cade Allen was a sniper from deep, going 5-6 from three-point range and he finished with 17 points. Allen also dished out a trio of assists. Jaden Harrell contributed 13 points on 5-7 shooting from the field, in addition to three assists and a pair of steals. 

Tyler Cauley delivered a terrific performance off the bench, producing eight points, four rebounds, and a season-high of five steals on defense. Rory Pantophlet hauled in a team-high of eight rebounds, in addition to six points on 3-5 shooting from the field. 

Niieihii BlackBear closed with six points, followed by Jayden Patcha and Anthony Ray with five each. Logan Dolan and Jaden Causwell each scored a pair of points in the win. Manny Gatkek hauled in seven rebounds in addition to two assists, two steals, and two blocks. 

WHAT'S NEXT?

The Drovers will return to action on Saturday, January 13 for a pair of thrilling games at Langston University in Langston, Okla. Tip-off for the women's game is scheduled for 2:00 PM, followed by the men's game at 3:45 PM. 

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