Quezada and Ray Combine for 33 Off the Bench to Lead USAO to Victory at JBU

SILOAM SPRINGS, Ark. – Saturday afternoon, the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma (13-4, 8-3 SAC) picked up a hard-fought 71-65 victory on the road at John Brown University (10-6, 8-3 SAC). With the win, USAO moved into a four-way tie for second in the Sooner Athletic Conference standings, 3.0 games back of Langston University at the top. 

Both teams traded baskets in the opening minutes, but the Drovers used a 13-0 run to hold a 20-7 lead midway through the half. USAO held strong for the final 10 minutes of the half and took a 32-24 lead into the break. 

Following halftime, the Golden Eagles went on a bit of a run and briefly tied the game, but USAO was able to once again build to their lead and held a 49-44 advantage with 10 minutes to play. The Golden Eagles gave the Drovers all they could handle down the stretch, but USAO was able to withstand the effort and closed out their 13^th win of the season.

Neither team shot the ball particularly well, but USAO was able to do just enough to claim the win. USAO finished the game shooting 24-66 (.364) from the field, 10-24 (.417) from beyond the arc, and 13-14 (.929) from the free-throw line. In comparison, JBU shot 23-60 (.383) from the field, 10-31 (.323) from deep, and 9-13 (.692) from the charity stripe. 

The Drovers outrebounded the Golden Eagles by a wide margin of 49-31, and they outscored JBU in the paint 29-23.

USAO committed 15 turnovers, which led to nine points for JBU. Meanwhile, the Golden Eagles only fumbled the ball 10 times, resulting in nine points for the Drovers. USAO was whistled for 18 fouls, and the Golden Eagles were called for 14 infractions.

Four different Drovers scored in double figures to lead the offense. Reggie Quezada led the way with 18 points, seven rebounds, and a pair of steals, followed by Anthony Ray with 15 points and seven rebounds. Cade Allen contributed 14 points on 5-10 shooting from the field, and Manny Gatkek added 10 points on 4-7 shooting.

Jayden Patcha chipped in six points and four rebounds, while Jaden Harrell closed with four points, five rebounds, four assists, and a pair of steals. Rory Pantophlet finished with two points and eight rebounds. Logan Dolan also scored two points.

WHAT'S NEXT?

The Drovers will return to the hardwood on Thursday, January 25 as they play a double-header at SAGU in Waxahachie, Texas. The women's game is scheduled for 6:00 PM CT, followed by the men's game at 7:45 PM.

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