SAGU Out-Slugs USAO in Heavyweight Fight

WAXAHACHIE, Texas – Thursday night, the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma (13-5, 8-4 SAC) suffered a tough 104-96 loss on the road at No. 25 ranked Southwestern Assemblies of God University (13-5, 9-3 SAC). The Drovers overcame a massive early deficit and kept the game within striking distance, but the Lions were able to pull away in the final minutes. With the loss, USAO slides into a tie for fifth in the Sooner Athletic Conference standings, 4.0 games back of Langston University at the top. 

The Drover offense got off to a slow start and SAGU jumped out to an 18-2 lead less than six minutes into the game.  USAO did their best to weather the storm and cut the deficit to 28-19 with 10 minutes to play in the half. SAGU went on another brief run, but USAO once again responded with a run of their own and cut the deficit to 46-43 after 20 minutes of action.

Reggie Quezada was a massive reason for USAO being able to keep the score close, recording 18 points on 7-10 shooting from the field, including 2-4 from three-point range. Quezada was also responsible for a trio of assists in the first half. 

Following halftime, the Drovers continued their momentum and used a pair of threes from Jaden Harrell to tie the game at 55-55 with less than 16 minutes to play in regulation. USAO continued to keep the score close and only trailed 86-85 with 4:35 remaining in the game. However, the Lions used a 18-11 run to wrap up the victory on their home court. 

Both teams were incredibly efficient on offense, but SAGU was able to do just enough to claim the win. USAO finished the game shooting 39-73 (.534) from the field, 12-28 (.429) from beyond the arc, and 6-7 (.857) from the free-throw line. In comparison, SAGU shot a blistering 42-69 (.609) from the field, 15-30 (.500) from deep, and 5-7 (.714) from the charity stripe. 

The Drovers outrebounded the Lions by a margin of 32-24, but SAGU outscored USAO in the paint 44-40.

USAO committed 10 turnovers, which led to 15 points for SAGU. Meanwhile, the Lions only fumbled the ball eight times, resulting in 14 points for the Drovers. USAO was whistled for 11 fouls, and the Lions were called for 13 infractions.

At the conclusion of the contest, Quezada led the Drovers with his second double-double performance of the season, recording 22 points and 10 assists. Quezada also hauled in three rebounds and stole the ball twice on defense. 

Anthony Ray contributed 17 points on 7-14 shooting from the field, followed by Jayden Patcha with 13 points on 5-7 shooting from the field, including a perfect 3-3 from deep. Niieihii BlackBear finished with 11 points and six rebounds, while Rory Pantophlet tallied 10 points and six rebounds. Cade Allen added nine points.

Jaden Harrell stuffed the stat-sheet and concluded with six points, six rebounds, and seven assists. Manny Gatkek closed with five points and four rebounds, followed by Tre Edwards with three points.  

WHAT'S NEXT?

The Drovers will return to Brisco McPherson Court on Saturday, January 27 as they host a double-header against University of North Texas Dallas. The women's game is scheduled to tip-off at 2:00 PM CT, followed by the men's game at 3:45 PM inside Drover Fieldhouse. 

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